A practical nurse is preparing to administer cephalexin oral suspension to a pediatric client who weighs 39.6 lb. The healthcare provider's prescription is for 15 mg/kg/dose to be administered every 12 hours. The pharmacy dispenses a cephalexin suspension concentration of 125 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the practical nurse administer per dose? (Record your answer to the nearest tenth. Do not include units in your answer.)
Answer: 10.8 mL
Answer
10.8
To determine the correct volume, first convert the weight to kilograms (39.6 ÷ 2.2 = 18 kg). Next, find the required dose in milligrams (18 kg × 15 mg/kg = 270 mg). Finally, use the formula (Desired / Have) × Volume to find the correct volume to administer ((270 mg / 125 mg) × 5 mL = 10.8 mL).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Weight-based medication dosage calculation and liquid volume conversion