Question

When administering medications to infants, it is important to remember which of the following?

1) Breast-feeding infants are more likely to develop toxicity when given lipid-soluble drugs.
2) Immaturity of renal function in infancy causes infants to excrete drugs less efficiently.
3) Infants have immature livers, which slows drug metabolism.
4) Infants are more sensitive to medications that act on the central nervous system (CNS).
5) Oral medications are contraindicated in infants, because PO administration requires a cooperative patient.

Answer 1

It is important to remember that infants process drugs differently due to immature liver and renal function, making them more susceptible to toxicity and CNS effects. Administration routes need to be chosen carefully, keeping in consideration the developmental stage of the infant.

Step-by-step explanation:

When administering medications to infants, it's crucial to remember that immaturity of renal function causes infants to excrete drugs less efficiently, and they have immature livers which slow drug metabolism. Also, infants are more sensitive to medications that act on the central nervous system (CNS). While it is often believed that oral medications require a cooperative patient, this is not necessarily a contra-indication in infants, as medications can still be given safely and effectively with the proper approach and considerations for their developmental stage.

Given that infants have underdeveloped organ systems, such as the liver and kidneys, their body's ability to process and remove drugs is much less efficient compared to adults. This can result in increased drug levels that may lead to toxicity and side effects. Additionally, because infants have a developing blood-brain barrier, they can be at higher risk for drug-induced CNS effects.