Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

When comparing caffeine and theophylline for treating prematurity, which statement is correct?

1. caffeine is a more potent vasodilator

2. theophylline has a longer half-life than caffeine

3. caffeine has a more reliable enteral absorption than theophylline

4. theophylline is preferred for its safety profile

The correct answer is: caffeine has a more reliable enteral absorption than theophylline

Caffeine has a more reliable enteral absorption than theophylline, making it the preferred choice in the treatment of apnea of prematurity. This characteristic is crucial because reliable absorption ensures that therapeutic drug levels can be achieved consistently in neonates, who may have varying gastrointestinal function. Caffeine’s pharmacokinetics allows for more predictable dosing and efficacy, which are essential in the delicate population of preterm infants. The differences in absorption can impact treatment effectiveness significantly; since theophylline may have more variability in how it's absorbed and metabolized, it can create challenges in achieving the desired therapeutic effects in neonates. While both medications have their roles, caffeine is often favored due to its efficacy and safety profile in the neonatal population, alongside its better predictability in absorption, enhancing its overall utility in clinical practice.