Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 1170 of 2368
A parent asks about giving an over-the-counter decongestant to a 20-month-old with a cold. What is the nurse's best response?
- A half dose is safe as long as the child is also drinking plenty of fluids.
- Give the usual dose at bedtime so the child can rest through the night.
- These medicines should not be given under age two because of risks like convulsions.
- Give the usual child dose only on the days when the child has a fever or cough.
Show answer
Correct answer: These medicines should not be given under age two because of risks like convulsions.
Decongestants and antihistamines can cause serious or life-threatening effects in children younger than two years.
Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Childhood Respiratory Disorders: Upper Respiratory Tract Infection. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026