An infant's antiseizure medication has been ordered after careful consideration of the unique pharmacokinetics among this population. What characteristic of neonates has the greatest bearing on drug metabolism?

A) The undeveloped state of the blood–brain barrier
B) Increased gastric motility in infants
C) The infant's undeveloped renal function
D) Immaturity of the infant's liver


D
Feedback:
The enzyme cytochrome P450 (CYP450) in the liver metabolizes most drugs. In neonates, the ability to metabolize drugs is very low because of the immaturity of the liver and the resultant inability to break down drugs. Characteristics of the kidneys, the blood–brain barrier, and GI function do not primarily affect metabolism.

Nursing

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Nursing