An NP is prescribing an antibiotic for a child who will need to ...

[LCritchfi]

An NP is prescribing an antibiotic for a child who will need to take a total of 750 mg per day. Which dosing regimen should the NP prescribe to promote compliance?
 
  a. 250 mg/5 mL375 mg PO bid
  b. 250 mg/5 mL250 mg PO tid
  c. 500 mg/5 mL375 mg PO bid
  d. 500 mg/5 mL250 mg PO tid

Question 2

A parent brings a 5-year-old child to a clinic for a hospital follow-up appointment. The child is taking a medication at a dose equal to an adult dose. The parent reports that the medication is not producing the desired effects. The NP should:
 
  a. order renal function tests.
  b. prescribe another medication to treat this child's symptoms.
  c. discontinue the drug and observe the child for toxic side effects.
  d. obtain a serum drug level and consider increasing the drug dose.

[jazzlynnnnn]

Answer to Question 1

C
To improve compliance with a drug regimen, convenient dosage forms and dosing schedules should be chosen when possible. A 500 mg/5 mL preparation means that a smaller volume can be given to achieve the desired dose. A bid dosing schedule is more likely to be followed than one that is tid.

Answer to Question 2

D
By a child's first birthday, the liver's metabolic capabilities are not only mature but also more vigorous than the adult liver, meaning that certain drugs may need to be given in higher doses or more often. It is prudent to obtain a serum drug level and then consider increasing the dose to achieve the desired effect. Renal function tests are not indicated. Unless the child is experiencing toxic effects, the drug does not need to be discontinued.

[LCritchfi]

Excellent

[nyrave]

Gracias!