Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Exam Neonatal Pharmacology

Question 1

When administering gentamicin to a neonate, the nurse should monitor which laboratory value most closely?

Accepted Answer

Serum creatinine and BUN

Answer

Gentamicin is nephrotoxic and ototoxic; serum creatinine and BUN must be monitored to detect aminoglycoside-induced renal injury.

Question 2

Indomethacin is used in the NICU to treat which condition?

Accepted Answer

Patent ductus arteriosus

Answer

Indomethacin is a COX inhibitor that promotes ductal closure by blocking prostaglandin synthesis, which keeps the PDA open.

Question 3

A neonate receives phenobarbital for seizures. Which side effect requires close monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory depression and sedation

Answer

Phenobarbital causes CNS and respiratory depression, requiring continuous monitoring of respiratory rate and oxygen saturation.

Question 4

Which route of administration is preferred for emergency medications in neonates when IV access is unavailable?

Accepted Answer

Intraosseous (IO)

Answer

Intraosseous access provides rapid vascular access for emergency drug administration when IV access cannot be quickly established.

Question 5

Vitamin K is administered to all newborns at birth to prevent:

Accepted Answer

Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn

Answer

Neonates have low vitamin K stores and immature gut flora, placing them at risk for vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).

Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Exam Practice Test