Pharmacy Journal Club: Paediatric Emergency

1. As a general rule: Children have _____ percentage (%) total body water compared to adults

Increased

Decreased

Children have an increased percentage of total body water compared to adults. This is because children have a higher proportion of water in their bodies due to their higher metabolic rate, higher surface area to body mass ratio, and lower body fat percentage. Additionally, children have a higher water turnover rate and greater water needs compared to adults, which contributes to their increased percentage of total body water.

Explanation

Children have an increased percentage of total body water compared to adults. This is because children have a higher proportion of water in their bodies due to their higher metabolic rate, higher surface area to body mass ratio, and lower body fat percentage. Additionally, children have a higher water turnover rate and greater water needs compared to adults, which contributes to their increased percentage of total body water.

2. As a general rule: Children have _________ skin thickness compared to adults

Increased

Decreased

Children have decreased skin thickness compared to adults. This is because children's skin is still developing and maturing, so it is generally thinner and more delicate. As children grow older, their skin gradually thickens and becomes more resilient. This thinner skin in children makes them more susceptible to injuries, sunburns, and other skin-related issues.

Explanation

Children have decreased skin thickness compared to adults. This is because children's skin is still developing and maturing, so it is generally thinner and more delicate. As children grow older, their skin gradually thickens and becomes more resilient. This thinner skin in children makes them more susceptible to injuries, sunburns, and other skin-related issues.

3. As a general rule: Children have ___________ renal clearance compared to adults

Increased

Decreased

Children have increased renal clearance compared to adults. This is because children have higher glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow, which allows for more efficient filtration and excretion of drugs and other substances by the kidneys. Additionally, children have a higher proportion of active tubular transporters, which further enhances renal clearance.

Explanation

Children have increased renal clearance compared to adults. This is because children have higher glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow, which allows for more efficient filtration and excretion of drugs and other substances by the kidneys. Additionally, children have a higher proportion of active tubular transporters, which further enhances renal clearance.

4. If a child vomits within _________ of a liquid medicine, they should receive another dose.

5 minutes

1 hour

2 hours

4 hours

24 hours

If a child vomits within 5 minutes of taking a liquid medicine, they should receive another dose. Vomiting shortly after taking the medicine indicates that the child did not fully absorb the medication, and therefore another dose is needed to ensure that they receive the proper dosage.

Explanation

If a child vomits within 5 minutes of taking a liquid medicine, they should receive another dose. Vomiting shortly after taking the medicine indicates that the child did not fully absorb the medication, and therefore another dose is needed to ensure that they receive the proper dosage.

5. As a general rule: Children have ___________ liver enzyme activity compared to adults

Increased

Decreased

Children have decreased liver enzyme activity compared to adults. This is because the liver enzymes responsible for metabolizing drugs and toxins are not fully developed in children. As a result, children may require lower doses of medications compared to adults to achieve the same therapeutic effect. Additionally, children may be more susceptible to the toxic effects of certain medications due to their decreased liver enzyme activity.

Explanation

Children have decreased liver enzyme activity compared to adults. This is because the liver enzymes responsible for metabolizing drugs and toxins are not fully developed in children. As a result, children may require lower doses of medications compared to adults to achieve the same therapeutic effect. Additionally, children may be more susceptible to the toxic effects of certain medications due to their decreased liver enzyme activity.

6. Our first-line information source for paediatric drug dosing is:

British National Formulary for Children

Paediatric Pharmacopoeia

Google

Product Information from MIMS

Australian Medicines Handbook

The correct answer is "Paediatric Pharmacopoeia". The Paediatric Pharmacopoeia is the first-line information source for paediatric drug dosing. It provides specific dosing guidelines and recommendations for medications used in children. It is a comprehensive resource that healthcare professionals can rely on to ensure safe and effective drug administration in paediatric patients.

Explanation

The correct answer is "Paediatric Pharmacopoeia". The Paediatric Pharmacopoeia is the first-line information source for paediatric drug dosing. It provides specific dosing guidelines and recommendations for medications used in children. It is a comprehensive resource that healthcare professionals can rely on to ensure safe and effective drug administration in paediatric patients.

7. Which of the following fluids should NOT be administered to a child?

0.9% sodium chloride

0.45% sodium chloride and 5% glucose

0.9% sodium chloride and 5% glucose

4% glucose and 1/5 sodium chloride

5% glucose

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Explanation

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