Pediatric Medication Administration
Module D
Pediatric Classifications
Age Range
Classifications
< 38 weeks gestation
Premature infant
< 1 month
1 month- <1 year
Neonate or newborn
infant
Infant
1 year - < 12 years
Child
Pediatric Considerations
Absorption
Distribution
Metabolism
Excretion or
elimination
Pediatric Considerations
Lack many of the Protective Mechanisms
- thin & permeable skin
- lacks gastric acid
- lacks lung mucosal barriers
- poorly regulated body temp.
- immature liver & kidney
Factors for IM Site SelectionPeds
Avoid nerves and vessels
Less SC thickness
Muscle mass appropriate to med. Volume
Ease of access or position
Ventrogluteal-site of choice if >7mo. Old
Vastus Lateralis- site of choice for infants < 12
mo. receiving immunizations
Deltoid- Not used in infants or children with
underdeveloped muscles. May be used for toddlers
and older children.
Medication Administration
Techniques
Oral
Topical
Parenterals
Preparing dosages for Pediatric
Clients
Milligrams/kilograms/
body weight
Body surface area
Safe dosage range
Milligrams/kilograms/body
weight
This is the most
common method used
for calculating
pediatric dosage
It is based on the
client’s weight.
Body surface area
Formula:
BSA(m2)/1.73 (m2) x
Adult dose = Child’s
dose
Nomogram- see
diagram
Safe dosage range
Step 1: Calculate the
total daily dosage
Step 2: Dividing by
the number of doses
per day.
Other Formulas Used in Pediatric
Dosage Calculation
Young’s Rule
Clark’s Rule
Fried’s Rule
Always remember
The 6 Rights of Medication Administration
The Process of Administering Medication
- Identify the client
- Inform the client
- Administer the drug
- Provide adjunctive interventions as needed
- Record the drug administered drug
- Evaluate the client’s response to drug
• Never allow someone else to draw-up your meds
• Always practice universal precaution
The End
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