Pediatric Medication Administration

Module D

Pediatric Classifications

Age Range Classifications

< 38 weeks gestation Premature infant

< 1 month Neonate or newborn infant

1 month- <1 year 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

Avoid nerves and vesselsLess SC thicknessMuscle mass appropriate to med. VolumeEase of access or positionVentrogluteal-site of choice if >7mo. OldVastus Lateralis- site of choice for infants < 12 mo. receiving immunizationsDeltoid- Not used in infants or children with underdeveloped muscles. May be used for toddlers and older children.

Factors for IM Site Selection-Peds

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 AdministrationThe 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

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