NURSING 7303
Advanced
Newborn/Infant
Pharmacology
Q & A w/ Rationales
2024
,1. A newborn is prescribed oral morphine for pain
management. Which of the following physiological factors
should the nurse consider when administering this
medication?
a) Limited renal function and potential for drug
accumulation
b) Accelerated liver metabolism and increased drug
clearance
c) Enhanced blood-brain barrier permeability and rapid
drug distribution
d) Decreased gastrointestinal absorption and delayed drug
effects
Answer: d) Decreased gastrointestinal absorption and
delayed drug effects
Rationale: Newborns have reduced gastrointestinal
absorption compared to adults, leading to delayed drug
effects. This factor should be considered when
administering oral morphine.
2. A 4-month-old infant is diagnosed with a respiratory
infection and prescribed an antibiotic. Which of the
following pharmacokinetic changes should the nurse
anticipate in this age group?
a) Higher plasma protein binding, resulting in reduced free
drug levels
b) Slower renal excretion, leading to prolonged drug half-
, life
c) Enhanced first-pass metabolism, resulting in decreased
bioavailability
d) Increased elimination through the lungs, affecting drug
efficacy
Answer: b) Slower renal excretion, leading to prolonged
drug half-life
Rationale: Infants have immature renal function, resulting
in slower excretion of drugs. This can lead to prolonged
drug half-life and potential drug accumulation.
3. A neonate with a patent ductus arteriosus is prescribed
indomethacin. Which of the following therapeutic effects is
this medication expected to produce?
a) Closure of the ductus arteriosus by stimulating smooth
muscle contraction
b) Promotion of vasodilation in the pulmonary and
systemic circulation
c) Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, leading to ductus
arteriosus closure
d) Stimulation of renal blood flow, improving diuresis
Answer: c) Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, leading to
ductus arteriosus closure
Rationale: Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits prostaglandin
synthesis. By doing so, it promotes closure of the patent
ductus arteriosus in neonates.
Advanced
Newborn/Infant
Pharmacology
Q & A w/ Rationales
2024
,1. A newborn is prescribed oral morphine for pain
management. Which of the following physiological factors
should the nurse consider when administering this
medication?
a) Limited renal function and potential for drug
accumulation
b) Accelerated liver metabolism and increased drug
clearance
c) Enhanced blood-brain barrier permeability and rapid
drug distribution
d) Decreased gastrointestinal absorption and delayed drug
effects
Answer: d) Decreased gastrointestinal absorption and
delayed drug effects
Rationale: Newborns have reduced gastrointestinal
absorption compared to adults, leading to delayed drug
effects. This factor should be considered when
administering oral morphine.
2. A 4-month-old infant is diagnosed with a respiratory
infection and prescribed an antibiotic. Which of the
following pharmacokinetic changes should the nurse
anticipate in this age group?
a) Higher plasma protein binding, resulting in reduced free
drug levels
b) Slower renal excretion, leading to prolonged drug half-
, life
c) Enhanced first-pass metabolism, resulting in decreased
bioavailability
d) Increased elimination through the lungs, affecting drug
efficacy
Answer: b) Slower renal excretion, leading to prolonged
drug half-life
Rationale: Infants have immature renal function, resulting
in slower excretion of drugs. This can lead to prolonged
drug half-life and potential drug accumulation.
3. A neonate with a patent ductus arteriosus is prescribed
indomethacin. Which of the following therapeutic effects is
this medication expected to produce?
a) Closure of the ductus arteriosus by stimulating smooth
muscle contraction
b) Promotion of vasodilation in the pulmonary and
systemic circulation
c) Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, leading to ductus
arteriosus closure
d) Stimulation of renal blood flow, improving diuresis
Answer: c) Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, leading to
ductus arteriosus closure
Rationale: Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits prostaglandin
synthesis. By doing so, it promotes closure of the patent
ductus arteriosus in neonates.
