Pediatric HESI Practice Questions Related

Review Pediatric HESI Practice Questions related questions and content

A parent calls the outpatient clinic requesting information about the appropriate dose of acetaminophen for a 16-month-old child who has signs of an upper respiratory tract infection and fever. The directions on the bottle of acetaminophen elixir are 120 mg every 4 hours when needed. At the toddler's 15-month visit, the healthcare provider prescribed 150 mg. What is the nurse's best response to the parent?

  • A. "The dose is close enough, and it doesn't really matter which one is given."
  • B. "From your description, the medication is not necessary. It should be avoided at this age."
  • C. "It is appropriate to use dosages based on age. Children typically have weights consistent for their age groups."
  • D. "The prescribed dose of the drug was based on weight, and this is a more accurate way of determining a therapeutic dose."
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The most accurate way to determine a therapeutic dose for children is based on their weight rather than age. Weight-based dosing accounts for individual variations in drug metabolism and distribution, ensuring a more precise and safer medication administration. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not address the importance of weight-based dosing in children, potentially leading to inappropriate dosing and safety concerns.