A practical nurse is preparing to administer cefdinir to a pediatric client who weighs 35.… — NCLEX-PN

A practical nurse is preparing to administer cefdinir to a pediatric client who weighs $35.2\text{ lb}$ and has acute otitis media. The healthcare provider has prescribed $7\text{ mg/kg}$ orally every $12$ hours. The medication available is cefdinir oral suspension labeled $125\text{ mg}/5\text{ mL}$ . How many $\text{mL}$ should the nurse administer per dose? (Record answer to the nearest tenth. Do not include units in answer.)

Answer: 4.5 mL

Answer

4.5

To determine the correct dose, first convert the weight from pounds to kilograms (

35.2 \div 2.2 = 16\text{ kg}

). Next, calculate the required dose by multiplying the weight by the prescribed amount (

16\text{ kg} \times 7\text{ mg/kg} = 112\text{ mg}

). Then, calculate the liquid volume needed by dividing the desired dose by the available dose and multiplying by the available volume:

(112\text{ mg} \div 125\text{ mg}) \times 5\text{ mL} = 4.48\text{ mL}

. Finally, round to the nearest tenth as instructed, which results in

4.5\text{ mL}

Step-by-Step Solution

Convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms.

35.2\text{ lb} \div 2.2\text{ lb/kg} = 16\text{ kg}

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

Calculate the prescribed dose in milligrams.

16\text{ kg} \times 7\text{ mg/kg} = 112\text{ mg}

This determines the exact amount of medication the client should receive for one dose.

Calculate the required volume in milliliters.

(112\text{ mg} \div 125\text{ mg}) \times 5\text{ mL} = 4.48\text{ mL}

Using the standard formula determines how much of the available liquid suspension is needed to deliver the prescribed dose.

Round the calculated volume to the nearest tenth.

4.5\text{ mL}

The question specifies recording the answer to the nearest tenth to ensure accurate measurement.

Key Concept

Weight-based pediatric dosage calculation and liquid medication volume conversion.

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