Chapter 39. Antimicrobial Therapy
1. A toddler is being sent to the operating room for surgery at 9 AM. As the nurse prepares
the child, what is the priority intervention?
a. Administering preoperative antibiotic
b. Verifying that the child and procedure are correct
c. Ensuring that the toddler has been NPO since midnight
d. Informing the parents where they can wait during the procedure
ANS: B
The most important intervention is to ensure that the correct child is going to the operating
room for the identified procedure. It is the nurses responsibility to verify identification of the
child and what procedure is to be done. If an antibiotic is ordered, administering it is important,
but correct identification is a priority. Clear liquids can be given up to 2 hours before surgery.
If the child was NPO (taking nothing by mouth) since midnight, intravenous fluids should be
administered. Parents should be encouraged to accompany the child to the preoperative area.
Many institutions allow parents to be present during induction.
2. The practitioner has ordered a liquid oral antibiotic for a toddler with otitis media. The
prescription reads 1 1/2 tsp four times per day. What should the nurse consider in teaching
the mother how to give the medicine?
a. A measuring spoon should be used, and the medication must be given every
6 hours.
b. The mother is not able to handle this regimen. Long-acting
intramuscular antibiotics should be administered.
c. A hollow-handled medication spoon is advisable, and the medication should
be equally spaced while the child is awake.
d. A household teaspoon should be used and the medicine given when the
child wakes up, around lunch time, at dinner time, and before bed.
ANS: C
A hollow-handled medication spoon allows the mother to measure the correct amount of
medication. The order is written for four times a day; every 6 hours dosing is not
necessary. There is no indication that the mother is not able to adhere to the medication
regimen. She is asking for clarification so she can properly care for her child. Long-acting
intramuscular antibiotics are not indicated. Household teaspoons vary greatly and should
not be used.
3. Guidelines for intramuscular administration of medication in school-age children include
what standard?
1. A toddler is being sent to the operating room for surgery at 9 AM. As the nurse prepares
the child, what is the priority intervention?
a. Administering preoperative antibiotic
b. Verifying that the child and procedure are correct
c. Ensuring that the toddler has been NPO since midnight
d. Informing the parents where they can wait during the procedure
ANS: B
The most important intervention is to ensure that the correct child is going to the operating
room for the identified procedure. It is the nurses responsibility to verify identification of the
child and what procedure is to be done. If an antibiotic is ordered, administering it is important,
but correct identification is a priority. Clear liquids can be given up to 2 hours before surgery.
If the child was NPO (taking nothing by mouth) since midnight, intravenous fluids should be
administered. Parents should be encouraged to accompany the child to the preoperative area.
Many institutions allow parents to be present during induction.
2. The practitioner has ordered a liquid oral antibiotic for a toddler with otitis media. The
prescription reads 1 1/2 tsp four times per day. What should the nurse consider in teaching
the mother how to give the medicine?
a. A measuring spoon should be used, and the medication must be given every
6 hours.
b. The mother is not able to handle this regimen. Long-acting
intramuscular antibiotics should be administered.
c. A hollow-handled medication spoon is advisable, and the medication should
be equally spaced while the child is awake.
d. A household teaspoon should be used and the medicine given when the
child wakes up, around lunch time, at dinner time, and before bed.
ANS: C
A hollow-handled medication spoon allows the mother to measure the correct amount of
medication. The order is written for four times a day; every 6 hours dosing is not
necessary. There is no indication that the mother is not able to adhere to the medication
regimen. She is asking for clarification so she can properly care for her child. Long-acting
intramuscular antibiotics are not indicated. Household teaspoons vary greatly and should
not be used.
3. Guidelines for intramuscular administration of medication in school-age children include
what standard?
