Pediatric Nursing Q 165

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An infant with a patent ductus arteriosus is admitted to the pediatric unit ward. The nurse anticipates which of the following medications will be given to the infant?

  

     A. Prednisone

     B. Ibuprofen

     C. Penicillin

     D. Albuterol

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Ibuprofen

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When surgical ligation is not indicated, prostaglandin inhibitors (e.g. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]) are used to close the ductus arteriosus. In April 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of ibuprofen lysine (NeoProfen) for the closure of clinically significant PDA in premature neonates. Ibuprofen’s mechanism of action for closure of PDA is believed to be through the inhibition of prostaglandins.

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Option A: Prednisone is an FDA-approved, delayed-release corticosteroid indicated as an anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive agent to treat a broad range of diseases, including immunosuppressive/endocrine, rheumatic, collagen, dermatologic, allergic states, ophthalmic, respiratory, hematologic, neoplastic, edematous, gastrointestinal, acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, and as an anti-inflammatory and an antineoplastic agent.

Option C: Penicillin is one of the most commonly used antibiotics globally, as it has a wide range of clinical indications. Penicillin is effective against many different types of infections involving gram-positive cocci, gram-positive rods (e.g., Listeria), most anaerobes, and gram-negative cocci (e.g., Neisseria).

Option D: Albuterol is used for the treatment and prevention of bronchospasm (acute or severe) in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease. It also has an indication for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.

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