Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Exam Pharmacology and Medications

Question 1

Which antibiotic combination is the standard empiric therapy for early-onset neonatal sepsis in the US?

Accepted Answer

Ampicillin and gentamicin

Answer

Vancomycin and gentamicin

Answer

Cefotaxime and metronidazole

Answer

Piperacillin-tazobactam and clindamycin

Question 2

What is the primary risk associated with chloramphenicol use in neonates?

Accepted Answer

Gray baby syndrome due to immature hepatic metabolism

Answer

Kernicterus

Answer

Ototoxicity

Answer

Nephrotoxicity

Question 3

Vitamin K is routinely administered to neonates at birth to prevent:

Accepted Answer

Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN)

Answer

Hemolytic disease of the newborn

Answer

Sepsis

Answer

Hyperbilirubinemia

Question 4

A neonate has an arterial blood gas showing pH 7.15, PaCO2 40, HCO3 14. What drug treatment addresses the underlying metabolic cause?

Accepted Answer

Sodium bicarbonate (cautiously for severe metabolic acidosis)

Answer

Dexamethasone

Answer

Furosemide

Answer

Caffeine

Question 5

Which medication requires careful monitoring of serum drug levels due to its narrow therapeutic index in neonates?

Accepted Answer

Vancomycin

Answer

Vitamin D

Answer

Folic acid

Answer

Iron supplementation

Question 6

Phenobarbital is used in neonatal seizures. What is an important side effect to monitor?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension

Answer

Hyperglycemia

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Hyperthermia