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Difficulty: HardPharmacological Therapies

An 8-year-old child weighing 5555 lb is prescribed oral cefdinir. The prescribed dose is 1414 mg/kg/day, to be administered in two divided doses every 1212 hours. The pharmacy dispenses cefdinir oral suspension at a concentration of 250250 mg/55 mL. How many milliliters (mL) will the practical nurse administer for a single dose? Record your answer using one decimal place. Do not include units in your answer.

Answer: 3.5 mL

Answer

3.5
To find the correct single dose volume, the nurse first converts the child's weight to kilograms (55÷2.2=2555 \div 2.2 = 25 kg). Next, the total daily dose is calculated (14×25=35014 \times 25 = 350 mg). Since this daily dose is divided every 12 hours, the single dose is half of the total (350÷2=175350 \div 2 = 175 mg). Finally, using the available concentration of 250250 mg in 55 mL, the nurse determines the volume: 175250×5=3.5\frac{175}{250} \times 5 = 3.5 mL.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms (55÷2.2=2555 \div 2.2 = 25).
25 kg
The prescribed medication dosage is based on kilograms (mg/kg/day).
2
Calculate the total daily dose in milligrams (14×25=35014 \times 25 = 350).
350 mg/day
Multiply the client's weight in kg by the prescribed daily dosage of 14 mg/kg/day.
3
Calculate the amount needed for a single dose (350÷2=175350 \div 2 = 175).
175 mg/dose
The prescription states the daily dose must be divided into two equal doses to be given every 12 hours.
4
Calculate the volume of liquid to administer per dose (175250×5=3.5\frac{175}{250} \times 5 = 3.5).
3.5 mL
Use dimensional analysis or the formula DesiredHave×Volume\frac{\text{Desired}}{\text{Have}} \times \text{Volume}.

Key Concept

Weight-based dosage calculation for divided pediatric doses
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Topics

Pharmacological Therapies

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