Author Question: An infant's antiseizure medication has been ordered after careful consideration of the unique ... (Read 58 times)

crobinson2013 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

An infant's antiseizure medication has been ordered after careful consideration of the unique pharmacokinetics among this population. What characteristic of neonates has the greatest bearing on drug metabolism?

A) The undeveloped state of the bloodbrain barrier
B) Increased gastric motility in infants
C) The infant's undeveloped renal function
D) Immaturity of the infant's liver

Question 2

A patient is administered amiodarone (Cordarone) intravenously. Which of the following assessments should the nurse consequently prioritize?

A) Assess urine output every 5 minutes.
B) Assess blood pressure at least every 5 minutes.
C) Assess for increased bronchovesicular lung sounds.
D) Assess for muscle rigidity.

katkat_flores · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
Feedback:
The enzyme cytochrome P450 (CYP450) in the liver metabolizes most drugs. In neonates, the ability to metabolize drugs is very low because of the immaturity of the liver and the resultant inability to break down drugs. Characteristics of the kidneys, the bloodbrain barrier, and GI function do not primarily affect metabolism.

Answer to Question 2

B
Feedback:
The nurse should assess the blood pressure every 5 minutes with the IV administration of amiodarone and other antidysrhythmics. It is important to assess urine output, but it is not necessary to assess it every 5 minutes. Amiodarone may diminish lungs sounds, but it will not cause an increase in lung sounds. The effect of amiodarone is to decrease muscle strength, not cause rigidity.