Video Notes: The Young, The Old, & The Pregnant Pharmacology Review

Flashcards covering pediatric dosing, pregnancy risk categories, breastfeeding, geriatrics, and infant pharmacokinetics from the notes.

What is the basis for most pediatric drug dosing?

Weight in kilograms (kg) or body surface area (BSA).

Why must families understand the unit of measurement used for pediatric meds?

To ensure correct dosing and safe administration.

What equipment supports accurate pediatric dosing for small or repeated doses?

Smallest syringe needles and oral syringes.

List the physiological factors in newborns/infants that increase medication sensitivity.

Immature liver and kidney function; alkaline gastric juices; increased topical absorption; decreased protein binding sites; immature blood-brain barrier.

What documentation should be obtained regarding demographics and allergies in pediatric care?

Ensure demographics and allergies are known and confirmed with a trusted family member or caregiver.

In pregnancy, what must be weighed when a medication is ingested?

Risk versus benefit; medications can affect the fetus.

Which vaccines are contraindicated in pregnancy because they are live-virus vaccines?

Live-virus vaccines such as varicella, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), and yellow fever.

What does FDA Pregnancy Category A mean?

Adequate and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first trimester and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters.

What does FDA Pregnancy Category X mean?

Studies show fetal abnormalities or there is positive evidence of fetal risk; the risks clearly outweigh potential benefits.

Which vaccine is considered safe for a pregnant patient at the first prenatal visit?

Inactivated influenza vaccine.

What are key considerations for breastfeeding when administering medications?

Most meds can enter breast milk; avoid extended-release; give medications directly after breastfeeding; use the lowest effective dose.

What are major geriatrics considerations in medication management?

Clear instructions for patient and caregiver; decreased kidney and liver function; decreased blood flow; increased gastric pH; polypharmacy and drug interactions; complete med history including OTCs; proper medication disposal.

What does POLYPHARM imply?

The use of multiple medications increases the risk of drug interactions and adverse effects.

Which immunization is safe for a pregnant patient at the first prenatal visit? (Q1 context)

Inactivated influenza vaccine.

Question: A hypnotic was given around 2100; morning drowsiness may be due to which factor?

Reduced hepatic function leading to slower drug metabolism.

Which pharmacokinetic statements about a 4-month-old infant are true? (SATA)

True: immature liver function; immature BBB; increased topical absorption. False: rapid gastric emptying; increased protein-binding sites.