Pediatric Nurse Exam Pediatric Nurse Pharmacology and Medication Administration 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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?
- 240 mg (Correct answer)
- 720 mg
- 360 mg
- 180 mg
Correct answer: 240 mg
40 mg/kg/day × 18 kg = 720 mg/day ÷ 3 doses = 240 mg per dose.
Question 2: When administering IM injections to a toddler (1-3 years), which muscle site is preferred?
- Vastus lateralis (Correct answer)
- Deltoid
- Ventrogluteal
- Dorsogluteal
Correct 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.
Question 3: 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?
- 1500 mg (Correct answer)
- 375 mg
- 1000 mg
- 2000 mg
Correct answer: 1500 mg
15 mg/kg × 25 kg = 375 mg/dose × 4 doses/day = 1500 mg/day maximum.
Question 4: Which finding requires the nurse to withhold digoxin in a pediatric patient before administration?
- Apical pulse below 90 bpm in an infant (Correct answer)
- Blood pressure 100/60 mmHg
- Respiratory rate 30 breaths/min
- Temperature 37.8°C
Correct 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).
Question 5: A nurse is preparing to give oral liquid medication to a 6-month-old. Which method is safest for administration?
- Oral syringe placed along the side of the cheek (Correct answer)
- Dropper placed at the back of the throat
- Mixed into a full bottle of formula
- Spoon placed at the center of the tongue
Correct 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.
Question 6: A child with status epilepticus is given rectal diazepam. Which action is the priority after administration?
- Monitor respiratory rate and oxygen saturation (Correct answer)
- Check blood glucose immediately
- Obtain IV access for next dose
- Place child in prone position
Correct answer: Monitor respiratory rate and oxygen saturation
Benzodiazepines can cause respiratory depression, so monitoring airway and oxygenation is the immediate priority.
Question 7: Which statement about topical corticosteroid use in pediatric patients is correct?
- Children absorb topical steroids more readily than adults due to higher skin surface area to body weight ratio (Correct answer)
- High-potency steroids are safe for use on the face in children
- Occlusive dressings should be used routinely to improve absorption
- Systemic absorption does not occur with topical steroids in children
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.
Pediatric Nurse Exam Pediatric Nurse Pharmacology and Medication Administration 2
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?