Nursing Topic: Pediatric Medication Dosing 1
Nursing Topic: Pediatric Medication Dosing
Micaela Wiedlin
School of Nursing, Liberty University
Pediatric medication dosing poses unique challenges due to the limited availability of
clinical trials in children. As a healthcare professional, it is crucial to find reliable resources to
determine the appropriate pediatric medication doses to ensure patient safety and optimize
therapeutic outcome. The aim of this paper is to explore the available resources and their use in
assisting healthcare providers with pediatric medication dosing.
The use of pediatric drug databases is essential in minimizing medication errors when it
comes to pediatric dosing. At the hospital I work at, University of Chicago Hospital, we use
databases called Lexicomp and Micromedex. Both resources provide information such as dosing,
contraindications, adverse events, and other valuable information.
Nursing Topic: Pediatric Medication Dosing 2
Clinical practice guidelines are crucial in pediatric dosing. Standardized dosing and ready-
to-use medications in hospitals are practices that can reduce medication errors in pediatric
populations The Vizient University Health System Consortium Pharmacy Network Pediatric
Pharmacy Committee’s workgroup includes pediatric pharmacists that serve on the committee
and assist in formulating strategies for successful implementation of dose standardization and
ready-to-use practices. Other professional organizations develop evidence-based guidelines for
pediatric medication dosing. Organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the
World Health Organization (WHO) are valuable resources that providers may use in their
practice.
Dosage calculators are necessary when adjusting dosage for pediatric patients. Young’s
Rule is an equation that calculates pediatric dosage in patient’s whose weight is unknown by
using and equation that includes their age and the recommended adult dose. There are several
online tools that could be used in calculating pediatric dosing but should be used with caution.
Accuracy and validity of the calculator should always be assessed before using.
I believe these resources are helpful because it provides a standardized way to dose
medications. Not all hospitals are equipped with pharmacists 24/7 so I believe these resources
would benefit both nurses and doctors that are treating pediatric patients. Additionally, these
resources can reduce delays in treatment when prescribing medications to pediatric
populations.
Psalms 127:3 proclaims the following, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.” This statement emphasizes the importance of caring for
children as they are seen as a gift from God. As healthcare providers, we have a responsibility to
ensure their well-being and safeguard their health. In the absence of extensive pediatric drug
trials, out duty remains to utilize the best available resources to determine safe and effective
Nursing Topic: Pediatric Medication Dosing 3
medication doses to ensure we “do no harm.” Through a combination of evidence-based
practices and incorporating a Biblical worldview to uphold ethical and compassionate care,
healthcare professionals can properly navigate the challenges of pediatric medication dosing.
Nursing Topic: Pediatric Medication Dosing 4
References
New International Bible. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978)
Campbell, C. T., Wheatley, K. H., Svoboda, L., Campbell, C. E., & Norris, K. R. (2022).
Strategies for Implementing Pediatric Dose Standardization: Considerations From the
Vizient University Health System Consortium Pharmacy Network Pediatric Pharmacy
Committee. The journal of pediatric pharmacology and therapeutics : JPPT : the official
journal of PPAG, 27(1), 19–28. https://doi.org/10.5863/1551-6776-27.1.19
Wade, C. I., & Martinez, T. (2023, April 8). Young's rule - StatPearls - NCBI bookshelf.
National Center for Biotechnology
Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554603/
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