Neonatal Pharmacology Flashcards
6 cards from real RNC-NIC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Neonatal Pharmacology flashcards as text
When administering gentamicin to a neonate, the nurse should monitor which laboratory value most closely?
Answer: Serum creatinine and BUN
Gentamicin is nephrotoxic and ototoxic; serum creatinine and BUN must be monitored to detect aminoglycoside-induced renal injury.
Indomethacin is used in the NICU to treat which condition?
Answer: Patent ductus arteriosus
Indomethacin is a COX inhibitor that promotes ductal closure by blocking prostaglandin synthesis, which keeps the PDA open.
A neonate receives phenobarbital for seizures. Which side effect requires close monitoring?
Answer: Respiratory depression and sedation
Phenobarbital causes CNS and respiratory depression, requiring continuous monitoring of respiratory rate and oxygen saturation.
Which route of administration is preferred for emergency medications in neonates when IV access is unavailable?
Answer: Intraosseous (IO)
Intraosseous access provides rapid vascular access for emergency drug administration when IV access cannot be quickly established.
Vitamin K is administered to all newborns at birth to prevent:
Answer: Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn
Neonates have low vitamin K stores and immature gut flora, placing them at risk for vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).
The nurse is preparing to administer IV vancomycin to a 28-week neonate. The most important pre-administration assessment is:
Answer: Renal function (serum creatinine) and trough level
Vancomycin is renally cleared and nephrotoxic; trough levels guide dosing intervals and prevent toxicity in preterm neonates.