Pediatric Nurse Pharmacology and Medication Administration Flashcards

A 4-year-old weighing 18 kg is prescribed amoxicillin 40 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours. How many mg should be given per dose?

Answer: 240 mg

40 mg/kg/day × 18 kg = 720 mg/day ÷ 3 doses = 240 mg per dose.

When administering IM injections to a toddler (1-3 years), which muscle site is preferred?

Answer: Vastus lateralis

The vastus lateralis is the preferred IM site for toddlers because it is well-developed and free of major nerves and vessels.

A child receives IV acetaminophen 15 mg/kg every 6 hours. The child weighs 25 kg. What is the maximum daily dose this child should receive?

Answer: 1500 mg

15 mg/kg × 25 kg = 375 mg/dose × 4 doses/day = 1500 mg/day maximum.

Which finding requires the nurse to withhold digoxin in a pediatric patient before administration?

Answer: Apical pulse below 90 bpm in an infant

Digoxin should be withheld and the provider notified if the apical pulse is below 90-110 bpm in infants (or below 70 bpm in older children).

A nurse is preparing to give oral liquid medication to a 6-month-old. Which method is safest for administration?

Answer: Oral syringe placed along the side of the cheek

Using an oral syringe placed along the inner cheek minimizes aspiration risk and ensures accurate dosing.

A child with status epilepticus is given rectal diazepam. Which action is the priority after administration?

Answer: Monitor respiratory rate and oxygen saturation

Benzodiazepines can cause respiratory depression, so monitoring airway and oxygenation is the immediate priority.

Which statement about topical corticosteroid use in pediatric patients is correct?

Answer: Children absorb topical steroids more readily than adults due to higher skin surface area to body weight ratio

Children's larger skin surface area relative to body weight increases systemic absorption risk with topical corticosteroids.