# Promethazine is prescribed for vomiting in an 18-month-old child. Which action should the nurse take?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=522653&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Interactions  
> category: PPT

## Question

Promethazine is prescribed for vomiting in an 18-month-old child. Which action should the nurse take?

## Option

1. Administer the weight-based dose because age does not affect promethazine respiratory risk.
2. Hold promethazine and contact the prescriber for an age-appropriate alternative and hydration plan. **✔ Correct answer**
3. Give promethazine with another sedating medicine to prevent paradoxical agitation.
4. Teach the parent to repeat the dose whenever the child becomes unusually sleepy.

**Correct answer: 2**

## Explanation

Promethazine is contraindicated in children younger than 2 years because fatal respiratory depression has occurred across a range of weight-based doses.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
Reject promethazine in every child younger than 2 years.

Why this is correct
Weight-based calculation does not remove the age-specific contraindication. Vomiting still requires hydration and cause assessment.

Easy analogy or mental picture
Use a family-centered medication-safety loop: verify age or pregnancy context, identify the exposure and new cue, prevent further harm, stabilize the client, and confirm the response.

Memory hook
Population, indication, dose or route, contraindication, urgent cue, protective action, and reassessment.

NCLEX decision rule
Choose the action that protects the maternal, newborn, or pediatric client from the most immediate medication-related harm while preserving authorized treatment.

Why the other choices are wrong
Options that normalize a danger sign, substitute an unapproved route or dose, or delay reassessment leave the client exposed to preventable harm.References
1DailyMed: promethazine hydrochlorideContraindication in pediatric patients younger than 2 years because of potentially fatal respiratory depression

## Clinical scenario

Maternal, newborn, and pediatric medication safety review
Verify the client's age or pregnancy stage, indication, weight or laboratory context, route, interacting therapies, contraindications, caregiver teaching, and measurable follow-up.

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