Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumPharmacological Therapies

A pediatric client weighing 44 lb44\text{ lb} is prescribed amoxicillin 45 mg/kg/day45\text{ mg/kg/day} by mouth, to be administered in equally divided doses every 12 hours. The pharmacy supplies amoxicillin oral suspension with a concentration of 250 mg/5 mL250\text{ mg}/5\text{ mL}. How many mL should the practical nurse administer per dose?

(Record the answer as a whole number. Do not include units in your answer.)

Answer: 9 mL

Answer

9
To determine the correct volume, first convert the weight to kilograms (44÷2.2=20 kg44 \div 2.2 = 20\text{ kg}). Next, find the total daily dose (20 kg×45 mg/kg/day=900 mg/day20\text{ kg} \times 45\text{ mg/kg/day} = 900\text{ mg/day}). Since it is given every 12 hours, divide by 2 to find the single dose (450 mg/dose450\text{ mg/dose}). Finally, use the desired over have formula: (450 mg/250 mg)×5 mL=9 mL(450\text{ mg} / 250\text{ mg}) \times 5\text{ mL} = 9\text{ mL}.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms.
44 lb÷2.2=20 kg44\text{ lb} \div 2.2 = 20\text{ kg}
Medication is prescribed based on the client's weight in kilograms.
2
Calculate the total daily dose of amoxicillin.
20 kg×45 mg/kg/day=900 mg/day20\text{ kg} \times 45\text{ mg/kg/day} = 900\text{ mg/day}
This establishes the total amount of medication required for a 24-hour period.
3
Calculate the individual dose amount in milligrams.
900 mg÷2=450 mg/dose900\text{ mg} \div 2 = 450\text{ mg/dose}
The medication is ordered every 12 hours, which equates to 2 equal doses per day.
4
Calculate the liquid volume to administer per dose.
450 mg250 mg×5 mL=9 mL\frac{450\text{ mg}}{250\text{ mg}} \times 5\text{ mL} = 9\text{ mL}
This converts the required dose in mg into the physical volume of the supplied suspension.

Key Concept

Weight-based pediatric dosage calculation and liquid medication volume determination.
Rate this question

Topics

Pharmacological Therapies

More questions from this topic