Medication and fluid administration

Question 1

What are fluids and meds based on in children?

Answer 1

WEIGHT

Weight = 2 x (age +4)

Question 2

Body fluid distribution in infant?

Answer 2

• infants have higher body water content + metabolic rates = higher turnover of fluids and solute
• significant fluid loss occurs more rapidly

Question 3

IV fluid management

Answer 3

Resusitation (0.9 saline)
Rehydration (0.9 saline, 5% glucose)
Maintenance (0.9 Saline, 5% glucose +/- 20mmols KCL)

Question 4

How do you calculate re-hydration rate (childs deficit)

Answer 4

Deficit (mL) = [Premorbid weight (kg) - current weight (kg)] x 1000

Question 5

Why are children at an increase risk of adverse drug events?

Answer 5

• Different and changing pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters
• immature organ function to metabolise drug
• lack of suitable pediatric preparations
• need for precise dose measurements

Question 6

Pharmacokinetics VS pharmacodynamics

Answer 6

phyrmacokinetics

• uptake and drug reabsorption
• drug metabolism
• drug excretion

Pharmacodynamics
- response to drug may be different even though the mechanism of action is the same

Question 7

High risk medications in children

Answer 7

APINCH

A - antifective 
P - potassium and other electrolytes 
I - Insulin 
N - Narcotics and other sedatives 
C - Chemotherapeutic agents 
H - Heparin and other anticoagulants

Question 8

Calculating quantity required for childs medication

Answer 8

SUNRISE (SR) –> Strength required
__________ _____________ x volume
SUNSET (SS) –> Stock strength