Pediatric Nurse Exam Pediatric Nurse Pharmacology and Medication Administration 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A 3-year-old is prescribed ibuprofen 10 mg/kg/dose. The child weighs 15 kg. The available suspension is 100 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the nurse give?
- 7.5 mL (Correct answer)
- 5 mL
- 10 mL
- 3 mL
Correct answer: 7.5 mL
10 mg/kg × 15 kg = 150 mg; 150 mg ÷ (100 mg/5 mL) = 7.5 mL.
Question 2: A pediatric patient is on gentamicin therapy. Which laboratory values are most important to monitor?
- BUN, creatinine, and peak/trough drug levels (Correct answer)
- CBC and liver function tests
- PT/INR and platelet count
- Serum sodium and potassium only
Correct answer: BUN, creatinine, and peak/trough drug levels
Gentamicin is nephrotoxic and ototoxic; monitoring renal function and serum drug levels prevents toxicity.
Question 3: Which of the following is the correct route for administering surfactant (beractant) to a premature neonate?
- Intratracheal instillation (Correct answer)
- Intravenous infusion
- Nebulized inhalation
- Subcutaneous injection
Correct answer: Intratracheal instillation
Surfactant is administered directly into the trachea via an endotracheal tube to treat respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants.
Question 4: A child is prescribed phenobarbital for seizures. Which side effect requires immediate nursing intervention?
- Respiratory depression (Correct answer)
- Mild sedation
- Hyperactivity
- Nausea
Correct answer: Respiratory depression
Respiratory depression is a life-threatening adverse effect of phenobarbital requiring immediate intervention.
Question 5: When teaching parents about administering iron supplements to their child, which instruction is most important?
- Give with vitamin C-rich juice to enhance absorption (Correct answer)
- Mix with milk to reduce stomach upset
- Administer at bedtime for best absorption
- Give with calcium-rich foods for improved tolerance
Correct answer: Give with vitamin C-rich juice to enhance absorption
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) enhances iron absorption, while milk and calcium inhibit it.
Question 6: A 7-year-old with ADHD is started on methylphenidate. Which assessment finding warrants contacting the prescriber before administering the next dose?
- Heart rate 122 bpm at rest (Correct answer)
- Blood pressure 102/64 mmHg
- Weight loss of 0.5 kg over 2 weeks
- Mild insomnia reported by parents
Correct answer: Heart rate 122 bpm at rest
Stimulant medications can cause significant tachycardia; a resting heart rate of 122 bpm warrants prescriber notification.
Question 7: A nurse is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection of insulin to a 10-year-old. Which needle length is most appropriate?
- 4-6 mm (Correct answer)
- 16-18 mm
- 10-12 mm
- 25 mm
Correct answer: 4-6 mm
A 4-6 mm needle is recommended for pediatric subcutaneous insulin injections to avoid inadvertent IM delivery.
Pediatric Nurse Exam Pediatric Nurse Pharmacology and Medication Administration 3
A 3-year-old is prescribed ibuprofen 10 mg/kg/dose.
The child weighs 15 kg.
The available suspension is 100 mg/5 mL.
How many mL should the nurse give?