Pediatric Pharmacology Basics

The study of how drugs affect children, considering their unique growth and development.

The movement of drugs into, through, and out of the body, which is influenced by a child's age, size, and organ development.

How drugs interact with the body's cells and processes, which can vary based on a child's developing systems.

Calculating the correct drug dose for children, considering their weight, age, and body surface area.

Methods of giving medicine to children, such as oral, intravenous, intramuscular, or topical.

Important factors to consider when giving medication to children, such as monitoring for side effects, checking vital signs, and educating families.

Errors in drug administration, which can occur due to incorrect calculations or dosage, wrong drug given, or inappropriate route used.

Lack of research data on drugs in children, leading to uncertainty about safe and effective dosages.

The study of how a drug's concentration changes over time in the body.

The process by which a drug enters the bloodstream.

The amount of drug that reaches the bloodstream.

The speed at which a drug is absorbed.

The process of a drug traveling from the bloodstream to the target tissues.

The breakdown of a drug into inactive metabolites by the body.

The removal of a drug and its metabolites from the body.

Differences in drug pharmacokinetics between children and adults.

The acidity or alkalinity of a substance.

The process by which the stomach empties its contents.

The movement of the muscles in the digestive tract.

The surface area of the intestines where absorption takes place.

The breakdown of fats by enzymes in the body.

The process by which a drug is injected into the skin.

The process by which a drug is injected into a muscle.

The study of how drugs interact with the body and produce their effects.

The amount of drug in the body at a particular time.

The time it takes for the concentration of a drug in the body to decrease by half.

A protective barrier that controls the passage of substances from the bloodstream into the brain.

Infants and young children have a higher proportion of body water compared to adults.

Children have a higher ratio of body surface area to body mass, making them more susceptible to drug absorption through the skin.

Infants and young children have reduced levels of plasma proteins, which can lead to higher concentrations of unbound drug.

The process by which drugs become inactive in the body.

The effectiveness of a drug in producing its desired effect.

Unintended or harmful effects of a drug.

Giving medication directly into the back of the mouth can increase the risk of gagging or choking.

Infants may suck drugs from a bottle nipple if the medication is squirted in.

Allowing older children to self-administer oral medication can reduce anxiety and increase their sense of control.

Crushing pills or dissolving capsules can make medication easier for kids to take.

Don't give honey to infants under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism.

Dilute medications with small volumes (10mL) to ensure the full dose is given.

Oral drugs can be given through nasogastric, orogastric, or gastrostomy tubes if they can be crushed or dissolved.

Reducing pain associated with injections and venipuncture through topical anesthetic protocols.

Distraction, diversion, relaxation, and creative imagery can help children cope with pain and anxiety.

Never inject a sleeping child to avoid the risk of future mistrust and sleep reluctance.

Protect IV infusion sites, especially in infants and toddlers.

Check the patency of the IV site before each drug administration to avoid infiltration and extravasation.

Cover injection sites with a bandage, preferably a decorated one, to alleviate child's fear of 'leakage'.

Select injection and IV sites based on developmental variables, site of preference, and access.

Ventrogluteal and vastus lateralis are preferred sites for pediatric IM injections.

The process of giving medicine to children, considering their unique needs and developmental stages.

The age a child appears to be based on their physical and mental development. This can differ from their actual age.

Includes ensuring the child's safety and comfort while administering medication.

The process of educating both families and children about medication, considering the child's understanding level.

A method of care that minimizes psychological and physical distress for children and families, like decreasing separation or reducing pain.

Using a syringe to give liquid medicine directly into a child's mouth, ensuring accurate dosage.

A child's reaction to medication can be influenced by their developmental stage and personality

Preschool children are more cooperative with medication and respond well to simple explanations.

School-age children are often cooperative but may fear bodily injury, so involving them in the process and providing information is important.

Older school-age children and adolescents have more complex fears, such as pain, appearance, or injury. Privacy and rapport with the nurse are crucial.

Most pediatric drugs are given orally. This is non-invasive and easy to use.

The intravenous route is more predictable in children due to tissue differences.

Understanding the child's developmental stage and ability to cooperate is crucial for safe and effective medication administration.

The nurse's role in building a positive relationship with the child and family, including open communication and empathy.

Providing care that minimizes the child's stress and discomfort, like minimizing separation from family and reducing pain.

The ability to understand and relate future consequences to present actions. This is lacking in adolescents, which can make it challenging to teach them about long-term effects of medication.

A period of rapid physical, emotional, and social development, marked by risk-taking and sensation-seeking behaviors. This significantly impacts how nurses approach drug administration and education.

The process of assessing an adolescent's understanding of medications and their potential risks and benefits. It's important to adapt the explanation to their level of comprehension and thinking abilities.

A period of significant emotional development, characterized by identity formation, increased peer influence, and sensitivity to emotions. This can impact how adolescents respond to medications and their emotional well-being during treatment.

The potential for interactions between different medications or substances used by adolescents. This includes alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs, and over-the-counter medications.

The principle of ensuring privacy and confidentiality when discussing sensitive topics like drug use, sexual activity, or mental health issues with young adults. It is essential for building trust and encouraging open communication.

The process of helping adolescents understand and manage their medication regimen through clear instructions, visual aids, and tailored educational strategies. It promotes active participation in their treatment.

A critical part of drug administration and monitoring, ensuring that the medication is taken as prescribed, promoting compliance, and preventing adverse outcomes.

The tendency for adolescents to engage in high-risk behaviors, such as substance use, risky sexual activity, and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Nurses need to assess and address these behaviors to ensure safe medication administration.

A key role for nurses in pediatric care, which involves providing information about medications, including side effects, dosage, and potential risks. Clear communication builds trust and promotes patient safety.

The use of over-the-counter medications by parents for children, with the potential for misuse and overdose. Nurses need to educate parents about safe use and potential risks of OTC drugs.

The use of over-the-counter cough and cold medications in children. The risks of misuse, overdose, and adverse effects warrant stringent restrictions on their use.

The use of medication calendars to track medication schedules and promote compliance. This is especially helpful for adolescents who may have difficulty remembering to take their medication.

The importance of individualized care for adolescents with chronic illnesses, integrating their needs, preferences, and abilities into their medication regimen.

The potential for drug interactions arising from a combination of medications, alcohol, and other substances. Nurses must assess for potential interactions and advise the patient on appropriate measures.