Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Exam Pharmacology and Medications 3

Question 1

Which reversal agent is used for opioid-induced respiratory depression in a neonate?

Accepted Answer

Naloxone

Answer

Naloxone is a competitive opioid receptor antagonist used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression in neonates.

Question 2

A neonate with congenital hypothyroidism requires levothyroxine therapy. What is the main reason for urgent treatment?

Accepted Answer

Prevent irreversible neurodevelopmental impairment

Answer

Early thyroid hormone replacement is critical because thyroid hormone is essential for brain maturation; untreated hypothyroidism causes permanent intellectual disability.

Question 3

Which antifungal is most commonly used for invasive candidiasis in premature neonates?

Accepted Answer

Fluconazole IV

Answer

Fluconazole IV is the first-line treatment for invasive neonatal candidiasis due to its established safety profile and good CNS penetration.

Question 4

Dexamethasone given postnatally for BPD carries a significant risk of:

Accepted Answer

Neurodevelopmental impairment and GI perforation

Answer

Postnatal dexamethasone for BPD is associated with increased risk of cerebral palsy and gastrointestinal perforation, limiting its use to severe, refractory cases.

Question 5

What is the mechanism of action of phenytoin in treating neonatal seizures?

Accepted Answer

Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels to stabilize neuronal membranes

Answer

Phenytoin stabilizes neuronal membranes by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, reducing the frequency and spread of seizure activity.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Exam Practice Test

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Exam Practice Test

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Exam Pharmacology and Medications 3