A mother calls the outpatient clinic requesting information on appropriate dosing for over-the-counter medications for her 13-month-old who has symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection and fever
The box of acetaminophen says to give 120 mg q4h when needed. At his 12-month visit, the nurse practitioner prescribed 150 mg. The nurse's best response is:
a. "The doses are close enough; it doesn't really matter which one is given."
b. "It is not appropriate to use dosages based on age because children have a wide range of weights at different ages."
c. "From your description, medications are not necessary. They should be avoided in children at this age."
d. "The nurse practitioner ordered the drug based on weight, which is a more accurate way of determining a therapeutic dose."
ANS: D
The method most often used to determine children's dosage is based on a specific dose per kilogram of body weight. The mother should be given correct information. For a therapeutic effect, the dosage should be based on weight, not age. Acetaminophen can be used to relieve discomfort in children at this age group.
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