Author Question: A child who weighs 20 kg is prescribed an intravenous (IV) aminophylline (Truphylline) loading dose ... (Read 46 times)

asd123 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A child who weighs 20 kg is prescribed an intravenous (IV) aminophylline (Truphylline) loading dose of 500 mg. What is the nurse's best action?

a. Administer the drug by IV push.
b. Hold the dose and contact the prescriber immediately.
c. Administer the drug by continuous infusion over 20 to 30 minutes.
d. Assess the child's peak expiratory flow rate and then administer the drug as pre-scribed.

Question 2

A patient receiving aminophylline (Theophylline) by continuous IV infusion for a severe asthma attack asks why a blood sample must be drawn. What is the nurse's best response?

a. The blood level of this drug that causes dangerous side effects is close to the level needed to help open the airways.
b. The blood test helps us evaluate how well the drug is working to open your air-ways and improve your oxygen intake.
c. The blood test helps determine how much of this drug you are making naturally and how much we are giving you.
d. This blood tests assesses whether you are developing an allergy to this drug.

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

Answer to Question 1

B
The recommended loading dose of IV aminophylline is 5 to 7 mg/kg, which is a dosage between 100 and 140 mg. The 500-mg prescription is between four and five times the recommended dose. It is possible that this is the dosage that is needed; however, because it is very far out of the rec-ommended range, the dosage should be rechecked with the prescriber (and a pharmacist). If this dosage is to be administered, the child should be in an intensive care unit.

Answer to Question 2

A
The therapeutic range for theophylline is very narrow (10 to 20 mcg/mL). If the drug blood levels are lower than 10 mcg/mL, the patient's symptoms will not be controlled. If the drug blood levels are higher than 20 mcg/mL, the patient may have serious adverse reactions. Blood levels of this drug need to be monitored closely to ensure safe and effective drug delivery.