Download Pediatric Pharmacology Overview

Pediatric Pharmacology
Overview
Elizabeth Allen NR, MSN
Learning Objectives
Nursing Considerations for Safe Preparation and
Administration of Pediatric Medications
 Locate reconstitution and dilution instructions in mobile
drug reference guide (Skyscape or drug book)
 Verify correct drug, appropriateness for clinical situation, lab
values needing review and monitoring parameters
 Complete the necessary calculations to ensure safe dosage
 Pounds to kilograms, safe dosage range in milligrams per dose (may
need to convert mg/kg/day to mg per dose)
 Reconstitute antibiotic medication according to
manufacturers guidelines
 Dilute medication for administration according to
manufacturers guidelines and as appropriate for the weight
of the child
 Determine how the medication will be delivered and
administer medication in the laboratory setting via IV push,
piggy back or syringe pump (if syringe pump available)
 Assessing effectiveness of medication
Pediatric Pharmacology
 Pediatric patients are not “little adults”
 Body surface area
 Absorption
 Immature organ systems
Pediatric Pharmacology
 Medications given based on weight in kg
 Know exact weight for pediatric patient and each
medication is calculated for dose
 Look up:
 Pediatric dosing
 May depend on condition
 Mg/kg/day in divided doses, maximum dose
 Adverse Effects
 Mechanism of Action
 Administration & Reconstitution
 Monitoring
Pediatric Pharmacology
 Medication Order
 Medication
 Dose
 Route
 Time
 Parameters (ex. Severe pain, >7)
 Safety checks at: time of order, in pharmacy (verifying
the order and preparing the medication) and by nurse
prior to giving a medication
Pediatric Pharmacology
 ATI Resources
 Med Math
D(Desired dose)
X
V (Vehicle-tab or Liquid)=Amount to Give
H (dose on hand)
 Example: Order-Dilantin 50mg p.o. TID
Drug available-Dilantin 125 mg/5ml
Pediatric Pharmacology
 Provider order:
 Look up pediatric dosage range
 Calculate dose to ensure it is safe
 Critically Think: Is this an appropriate drug given the
clinical situation?
 Are there any assessments or labs to be done or checked
prior to giving this dose?
 How can drug be administered (correct route?)
 How to reconstitute drug
 How quickly or slowly to give medication
 What potential side effects to assess for