Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Health Problems of Newborns Related

Review Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Health Problems of Newborns related questions and content

The nurse is planning care for an infant receiving calcium gluconate for treatment of hypocalcemia. Which route of administration should be used?

  • A. Oral
  • B. Intramuscular
  • C. Intravenous
  • D. Intraosseous
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Calcium gluconate is administered intravenously over 10 to 30 minutes or as a continuous infusion. If it is given more rapidly than this, cardiac dysrhythmias and circulatory collapse may occur. Early feedings are indicated, but when the ionized calcium drops below 3.0 to 4.4 mg/dL, intravenous calcium gluconate is necessary. Intramuscular or intraosseous administration is not recommended.