An NP is prescribing a medication for a 6-month-old infant. The ...

[mcmcdaniel]

An NP is prescribing a medication for a 6-month-old infant. The medication comes in the following formulations. Which one should the NP select to improve absorption and distribution of the medication?
 
  a. Oral elixir
  b. Rectal suppository
  c. Lipid soluble compound
  d. Sustained-release capsule

Question 2

The parent of a toddler asks the NP about using a topical antihistamine to treat the child's atopic dermatitis symptoms. The NP should tell the parent that:
 
  a. topical medications have fewer side effects in children.
  b. medications given by this route are not absorbed well in young children.
  c. topical application of an antihistamine may result in drug toxicity in children.
  d. it is important to apply topical medications liberally over a large surface area.

[essyface1]

Answer to Question 1

A
An elixir is a solution in which the drug molecules are dissolved and evenly distributed. Most oral drugs in soluble solutions are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and the fact that the drug is evenly distributed helps to ensure that each dose will have equal amounts of the drug. Rectal suppositories generally should be avoided for drug administration, primarily because children may not retain the dosage form long enough to receive the entire dose. Drugs that are lipid soluble may not distribute well in infants. Drugs may pass quickly through the gastrointestinal tract in infants, making sustained-release preparations less well absorbed.

Answer to Question 2

C
Children have the potential for increased absorption through the skin because their skin is thinner and more sensitive, increasing their risk for drug toxicity. Topical medications have enhanced side effects in children. Topical medications are readily absorbed by children. Applying topical medications liberally over a large surface area would increase the risk of toxicity.

[mcmcdaniel]

Excellent

[sailorcrescent]

Gracias!