Question

An immunocompromised 3-year-old has been exposed to a viral influenza. The patient is brought to the clinic and the mother reports that the patient has had flu-like symptoms for the past 12 hours. What medication would you expect the physician to order for this patient?

Select one:
a. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
b. Amantadine (Symmetrel)
c. Ribavirin (Rebetron)
d. Zanamivir (Relenza)

Answer 1

For an immunocompromised 3-year-old with flu-like symptoms, a physician is likely to prescribe oseltamivir (Tamiflu), an oral medication that inhibits the viral neuraminidase enzyme, thus impeding the spread of influenza within the body.

Step-by-step explanation:

An immunocompromised 3-year-old who has been exposed to viral influenza and is experiencing flu-like symptoms might be prescribed an antiviral medication to combat the virus. The medication you would expect the physician to order for this patient is oseltamivir (Tamiflu), as this drug is specifically targeted against influenza viruses. Oseltamivir works by inhibiting the viral neuraminidase enzyme, which is vital for the release of the virus from infected cells, thereby impeding the spread of the infection.

Influenza antivirals, such as oseltamivir, shorten the duration of the illness and decrease symptoms when taken shortly after the onset of flu-like symptoms. Unlike zanamivir (Relenza), which is inhaled, or peramivir (Rapivab), which is administered intravenously, oseltamivir is taken orally. This makes it a practical treatment option for a young child.