Which physiological difference would affect the absorption of ...

[jhjkgdfhk]

Which physiological difference would affect the absorption of oral medications administered to a 3-month-old infant?
 
  a. More rapid peristaltic activity
  b. More acidic gastric secretions
  c. Usually more rapid gastric emptying
  d. Variable pancreatic enzyme activity

Question 2

Which food choice is appropriate to mix with medication?
 
  a. Formula or milk
  b. Applesauce
  c. Syrup
  d. Orange juice

[mariahkathleeen]

Answer to Question 1

D
Pancreatic enzyme activity is variable in infants for the first 3 months of life as the gastrointestinal system matures. Medications that require specific enzymes for dissolution and absorption might not be digested to a form suitable for intestinal action. Infants up to 8 months of age tend to have prolonged motility. The longer the intestinal transit time, the more medication is absorbed. The gastric secretions of infants are less acidic than in older children or adults. Gastric emptying is usually slower in infants.

Answer to Question 2

B
To prevent the child from developing a negative association with an essential food, a nonessential food such as applesauce is best for mixing with medications. Formula and milk are essential foods in a child's diet. Medications may alter their flavor and cause the child to avoid them in the future. Syrup is not used to mix with medications because of its high sugar content. Orange juice is considered an essential food; therefore, the nurse should not mix medications with it.