The nurse reviews information about a drug and learns that it is ...

[sjones]

The nurse reviews information about a drug and learns that it is best absorbed in an acidic environment. When giving this drug to a 1-year-old patient, the nurse will expect to administer a dose that will be
 
  a. equal to an adult dose.
  b. less than an adult dose.
  c. more than an adult dose.
  d. twice the usual adult dose.

Question 2

The nurse assumes care for an infant who is showing signs of drug toxicity to a drug given several hours prior. The nurse checks the dose and confirms that the dose is consistent with standard dosing guidelines.
 
  Which characteristic of the drug will likely explain this response in this patient?
  a. It is acidic.
  b. It is highly protein-bound.
  c. It is not fat-soluble.
  d. It is water-soluble.

[connor417]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Because the child's gastric pH is more alkaline than the adult's, less drug will be absorbed. Therefore, the dose should be increased.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
With fewer protein-binding sites, there is more active drug available. This requires a reduction in the dose for infants. Drugs that are acidic are not as readily absorbed in infants, since their gastric pH tends to be more alkaline. Infants have a lower proportion of body fat; fat-soluble drugs would need to be decreased to prevent toxicity. Until about age 2 years of age, pediatric patients require larger than usual doses of water-soluble drugs to achieve therapeutic effects.

[sjones]

TYSM

[sailorcrescent]

Excellent