Author Question: A patient is receiving intravenous promethazine Phenergan 25 mg for postoperative nausea and ... (Read 103 times)

newyorker26 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient is receiving intravenous promethazine Phenergan 25 mg for postoperative nausea and vomiting. What is an important nursing action when giving this drug?

a. Giving the dose as an IV push over 3 to 5 minutes
b. Infusing the dose with microbore tubing and an infusion pump
c. Observing the IV insertion site frequently for patency
d. Telling the patient to report dry mouth and sedation

Question 2

An infant who receives a drug that does not produce CNS side effects in adults exhibits drowsiness and sedation. The nurse understands that this is because of differences in which phy-siologic system in infants and adults?

a. Blood-brain barrier
b. First-pass effect
c. Gastrointestinal absorption
d. Renal filtration

Alyson.hiatt@yahoo.com · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
If IV administration must be done with this drug, it should be given through a large-bore, freely flowing line. The site should be monitored closely for local burning or pain or any sign of extra-vasation, which can cause abscess formation, tissue necrosis, and gangrene requiring amputation. Giving the medication as a rapid IV push or through microbore tubing does not adequately slow the infusion or dilute the drug. Dry mouth and sedation are expected side effects of this drug and are not dangerous.

Answer to Question 2

A
The blood-brain barrier is not fully developed at birth, making infants much more sensitive to CNS drugs than older children and adults. CNS symptoms may include sedation and drowsiness. The first-past effect and GI absorption affect metabolism and absorption of drugs, and renal fil-tration affects elimination of drugs, all of which may alter drug levels.