Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 75%
Simulated
Which principle of pharmacokinetics must the nurse keep in mind when administering medication to an infant?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C. When administering medication to an infant, the nurse must consider the principle that there's an increased risk of toxicity with the use of topical agents. This is because infants have a higher ratio of body surface area to weight, making them more susceptible to systemic absorption of topical medications, leading to potential toxicity.
Choice A is incorrect because metabolism of drugs by the kidneys is actually faster in infants due to their higher renal blood flow per gram of kidney tissue.
Choice B is incorrect as absorption of oral medications in infants is generally less predictable and slower compared to adults due to factors like gastric pH differences and immature gastrointestinal motility.
Choice D is incorrect as protein binding of drugs is typically lower in infants due to lower levels of plasma proteins.
In summary, the correct answer is C because of the increased risk of toxicity with topical agents in infants, while the other choices are incorrect due to differences in pharmacokinetics in this population.
Choice A is incorrect because metabolism of drugs by the kidneys is actually faster in infants due to their higher renal blood flow per gram of kidney tissue.
Choice B is incorrect as absorption of oral medications in infants is generally less predictable and slower compared to adults due to factors like gastric pH differences and immature gastrointestinal motility.
Choice D is incorrect as protein binding of drugs is typically lower in infants due to lower levels of plasma proteins.
In summary, the correct answer is C because of the increased risk of toxicity with topical agents in infants, while the other choices are incorrect due to differences in pharmacokinetics in this population.