Question

Which statements are true regarding pharmacodynamics and the pediatric client? select all that apply?

Answer 1

The statements that are true are the following:
1. The levels of microsomal enzymes are decreased.
Microsomal enzymes are functional parts of the human liver, which participate actively in the drug metabolism. It has been shown that the activity of these enzymes is lower in children, reaching its full activity in adult individuals. 
2. First pass elimination is reduced because of the immaturity of the liver.
First pass elimination is a phenomenon of drug metabolism, that occurs in the liver or the gut and involves the reduction of the drug concentration before it reaches the systemic circulation. In neonates, the liver is immature and undergoes several changes during the postnatal period.
3. Gastric emptying is slowed because of slow or irregular peristalsis.
 Peristalsis is a term referring to the movement of food to several positions of the digestive tract, through muscle contractions. Gastric emptying is strongly affected by peristalsis. Some children have irregular peristaltic movement.