Level: Foundational
Difficulty: Easy
Subtopic: Medication dosing by weight
NCLEX: A child is prescribed acetaminophen by weight. Which action is essential before administration?
Pediatric nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Physiological Adaptation
Case Study
A child is prescribed acetaminophen by weight. Which action is essential before administration?
Question
A. Verify the child's current weight and calculate the dose per protocol or pharmacy reference.
B. Use the adult dose because the child looks large for age.
C. Ask the parent to estimate the dose they use at home and follow that.
D. Delegate medication calculation to UAP.
B. Use the adult dose because the child looks large for age.
C. Ask the parent to estimate the dose they use at home and follow that.
D. Delegate medication calculation to UAP.
Rationale
Correct answer: A. Verify the child's current weight and calculate the dose per protocol or pharmacy reference.
Rationale: Pediatric dosing requires weight-based calculation and verification; the RN cannot delegate medication calculation or use adult doses.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Pediatric dosing requires weight-based calculation and verification; the RN cannot delegate medication calculation or use adult doses.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.