NPS Pharmacology and Medications Flashcards

A 28-week neonate receives vancomycin for suspected sepsis. Which pharmacokinetic parameter is most commonly monitored to guide dosing?

Answer: AUC/MIC ratio

AUC/MIC-guided vancomycin monitoring (targeting AUC 400–600) is now preferred over trough-only monitoring in neonates and pediatric patients.

Dexamethasone is used postnatally in premature neonates primarily to treat which condition?

Answer: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Low-dose postnatal dexamethasone is used to facilitate extubation and manage bronchopulmonary dysplasia in ventilator-dependent preterm neonates.

What is the maximum safe concentration of dextrose that should be administered via a peripheral IV in a neonate?

Answer: D12.5W (12.5%)

Dextrose concentrations up to 12.5% are considered safe for peripheral IV administration in neonates to avoid venous irritation and extravasation injury.

A pediatric patient in status asthmaticus fails initial bronchodilator therapy. Which IV medication is administered next?

Answer: Magnesium sulfate

IV magnesium sulfate is recommended as second-line therapy for pediatric status asthmaticus not responding to initial bronchodilators, due to its bronchodilatory effect.

Which medication is used to treat neonatal seizures as first-line therapy in the US?

Answer: Phenobarbital

Phenobarbital at 20 mg/kg IV is the established first-line anticonvulsant for neonatal seizures in most US centers.

A neonate with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) fails conventional therapy. Which inhaled medication is indicated?

Answer: Nitric oxide (iNO)

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is the only FDA-approved inhaled pulmonary vasodilator for neonates with PPHN, selectively reducing pulmonary vascular resistance.