NPS Pharmacology and Medications Flashcards

What is the recommended dose of caffeine citrate loading dose for apnea of prematurity in neonates?

Answer: 20 mg/kg IV

Caffeine citrate loading dose for apnea of prematurity is 20 mg/kg IV, followed by a maintenance dose of 5–10 mg/kg/day.

Which surfactant is administered intratracheally as a natural bovine-derived preparation for neonatal RDS?

Answer: All of the above

Beractant, calfactant, and poractant alfa are all natural animal-derived surfactants approved for intratracheal administration in neonatal RDS.

When administering prostaglandin E1 (alprostadil) to a neonate with ductal-dependent congenital heart disease, which adverse effect requires immediate readiness?

Answer: Apnea

Apnea is the most critical adverse effect of prostaglandin E1 infusion in neonates, requiring intubation readiness at the bedside.

What is the correct dose of epinephrine for neonatal cardiac arrest via the endotracheal route?

Answer: 0.05–0.1 mg/kg

The ET dose of epinephrine in neonatal resuscitation is 0.05–0.1 mg/kg (higher than IV) due to poor absorption via the tracheal route.

A preterm neonate requires indomethacin for PDA closure. Which lab value must be monitored most closely?

Answer: Serum creatinine

Indomethacin reduces renal prostaglandin synthesis, causing decreased GFR and elevated serum creatinine; renal function must be monitored closely.

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

Answer: Ampicillin and gentamicin

Ampicillin and gentamicin is the standard first-line empiric regimen for early-onset neonatal sepsis, covering GBS and gram-negative organisms.