Drug Effects on Maternal/Child and Elderly

Question 1

Drug Effects on the Fetus

Answer 1

• in the first 2 weeks, due to rapid cell proliferation, drug exposure has the potential to be lethal
• from the 3rd to 10th weeks the axial skeleton, muscles, limbs, and organs are developing the most rapidly and can be interfered with by drugs
• drug transfer to the fetus is greatest during the 3rd trimester

Question 2

Drugs and Lactation

Answer 2

drugs can be transferred from mother to child through lactation, due to lactation being a mode of excretion for drugs

Question 3

Drug effects on neonates

Answer 3

• increased drug sensitivity in infants due to immature state of five pharmacokinetic processes
• neonates lack many protective mechanisms like stomach acid, a mucus barrier in the lungs, immature liver & kidneys, etc.

Question 4

Administering Oral Meds to Kids

Answer 4

• use kind and firm approach
• be honest
• no long explainations
• avoid putting in foods

Question 5

Administering Topical Meds to Kids

Answer 5

• due to very thin and permeable skin, do not over use topical medications, apply lightly

Question 6

Administering injections to kids

Answer 6

• similar to those in adults

Question 7

Nursing Process in older adults

Answer 7

• 70%-80% of all adverse drug reactions in elderly are dose related
• elderly have greater sensitivity to drugs especially CNS acting drugs
• MUST MONITOR FOR ADVERSE REACTIONS
• Suspect medications whenever you notice a change in behavior as it may be the earliest signs of drug toxicity

Question 8

Drug Administration Problems with the Elderly

Answer 8

• dry mucous membranes
• diminished sensation
• increased time taking meds
• decreased muscle mass
• decreased sensory perception
• failing eyesight
• cost and location
• multi drug therapy

Question 9

Elderly Pharmacology

Answer 9

• increased absorption due to increased gastric pH, altered gastrc emptying, and decrease in first pass metabolism
• Altered distribution due to altered body composition, decrease in total body water, decrease in serum albumin, and decrease blood flow & cardiac output
• lower metabolism due to impaired liver function and decrease in hepatic blood flow
• impaired excretion due to decreased renal function