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Difficulty: MediumPharmacological Therapies

A practical nurse is preparing to administer amoxicillin oral suspension to a pediatric client diagnosed with acute otitis media. The client weighs 4444 lb. The healthcare provider has prescribed 45 mg/kg/day45\text{ mg/kg/day} to be divided into three equal doses administered every 88 hours. The pharmacy supplies amoxicillin suspension at a concentration of 250 mg/5 mL250\text{ mg}/5\text{ mL}. How many milliliters (mL) should the nurse administer for a single dose? (Record answer to the nearest whole number. Do not include units in answer.)

Answer: 6 mL

Answer

6
To determine the correct dose, the nurse must first convert the weight from pounds to kilograms by dividing by 2.22.2 (44÷2.2=20 kg44 \div 2.2 = 20\text{ kg}). Next, calculate the total daily dose by multiplying the weight by the prescribed dose (20 kg×45 mg/kg=900 mg/day20\text{ kg} \times 45\text{ mg/kg} = 900\text{ mg/day}). Since the medication is divided into three equal doses (every 8 hours), each individual dose is 300 mg300\text{ mg} (900÷3900 \div 3). Finally, using the supplied concentration of 250 mg/5 mL250\text{ mg}/5\text{ mL}, calculate the required volume: (300 mg÷250 mg)×5 mL=6 mL(300\text{ mg} \div 250\text{ mg}) \times 5\text{ mL} = 6\text{ mL}.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms.
44 lb÷2.2 lb/kg=20 kg44\text{ lb} \div 2.2\text{ lb/kg} = 20\text{ kg}
Weight-based medication dosages require the client's weight to be in kilograms.
2
Calculate the total daily dose prescribed.
20 kg×45 mg/kg=900 mg/day20\text{ kg} \times 45\text{ mg/kg} = 900\text{ mg/day}
This establishes the total amount of medication the client should receive over a 24-hour period.
3
Determine the amount required for a single dose.
900 mg÷3 doses=300 mg/dose900\text{ mg} \div 3\text{ doses} = 300\text{ mg/dose}
The prescription states the daily dose must be divided into three equal doses (every 8 hours).
4
Calculate the volume of liquid to administer per dose.
300 mg250 mg×5 mL=6 mL\frac{300\text{ mg}}{250\text{ mg}} \times 5\text{ mL} = 6\text{ mL}
This uses the supplied concentration (250 mg250\text{ mg} per 5 mL5\text{ mL}) to find the correct liquid volume to administer.

Key Concept

Pediatric weight-based dosage calculation and safe medication administration
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Topics

Pharmacological Therapies

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