Great job on explaining how medication administration can be influenced on patient factors such that of a pediatric patient. I work on the opposite end of the spectrum-gerontology patients so reading your discussion post was interesting and educational. I did some additional research on how medication administration and prescribing is different upon the pediatric population.
In review of literature one potential restraint that providers have when it comes to the pediatric patients is considering the likelihood that oral medications may be rejected due to the taste and texture that they are available in. It is essential for providers to understand the developmental pathway that occurs in terms of pediatric patients. According to Eidelman & Abdel-Rahman (2016), “the capacity to discriminate sweet and umami is present in utero, followed by texture, temperature and piquancy at 1–2 years of age and finally bitter, salty and sour around the age of 2 years. Olfactory senses do not appear to fully mature until children are 5–7 years of age. Other adaptive behaviors, which typically manifest by 2–5 years of age, influence a child’s willingness to accept novel foods, and by extension, medicines” (Eidelman & Abdel-Rahman, 2016, p.70). It is essential that providers are aware of all of the available forms and flavors that medications come in to ensure that medication is not rejected by the pediatric patient to ensure that the medication is effective. I found this factor interesting as it is not something that I would have considered or thought to consider prior to reviewing the content that is covered in this week’s material NURS 6521 week 1 Discussion: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics.
Cultural differences that may exist between the prescribing provider and the patient and their families should also be taken into consideration when prescribing medications. Many different cultures will often use traditional and herbal medications in addition to mainstream medications so having a clear understanding of these cultural differences and being able to ask appropriate questions to identify other health practices is essential as traditional and herbal medications can influence the effectiveness and interactions between the two treatment options (World Health Organization, 2007, p.10).
Eidelman, C. &.-R. (2016). Pharmacokinetic considerations when prescribing in children. International Journal of Pharmacokinetics, 69-80.
Organization, W. H. (2007). Promoting Safety of Medicines for Children. Geneva: WHO Press. NURS 6521 week 1 Discussion: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
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