An 9 week premature infant is prescribed I.V. theophylline. The mother asks how the medication works. The nurse responds knowing that theophylline

Explanation

•Theophylline is a xanthine derivative similar to caffeine. It relaxes bronchial smooth muscles and stimulates the CNS and skeletal muscles.

•Theophylline and caffeine are commonly used on premature neonates with apnea.

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