While preparing medications for a pediatric client weighing 37.4\text{ lb}, a practical nu… — NCLEX-PN

While preparing medications for a pediatric client weighing $37.4\text{ lb}$ , a practical nurse notes a new prescription for ibuprofen $8\text{ mg/kg/dose}$ every $6$ hours as needed for fever. The medication is available as an oral suspension of $100\text{ mg}/5\text{ mL}$ . How many $\text{mL}$ should the nurse administer for one dose? (Record answer to the nearest tenth. Do not include units in answer.)

Answer: 6.8 mL

Answer

6.8

Administering

6.8\text{ mL}

provides exactly the prescribed

136\text{ mg}

dose, which is correct and safe for a

17\text{ kg}

pediatric client receiving

8\text{ mg/kg}

Step-by-Step Solution

Convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms.

37.4\text{ lb} \div 2.2\text{ lb/kg} = 17\text{ kg}

The prescribed dosage is weight-based in kilograms, so the client's weight must be converted first.

Calculate the required medication dose in milligrams.

17\text{ kg} \times 8\text{ mg/kg} = 136\text{ mg}

This determines the exact milligram amount of medication the client needs for one single dose.

Calculate the liquid volume to administer using the provided concentration.

(136\text{ mg} \div 100\text{ mg}) \times 5\text{ mL} = 6.8\text{ mL}

This converts the required milligram dose into a measurable liquid volume to be drawn up in a syringe.

Key Concept

Pediatric Weight-Based Dosage Calculation

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