A pediatric client weighing 33 lb is prescribed ampicillin 100 mg/kg/day intravenously, divided into equal doses administered every 6 hours. The pharmacy dispenses ampicillin with a concentration of 250 mg/mL. How many mL will the nurse administer per dose? Record your answer to the nearest tenth.
Answer: 1.5 mL
Answer
1.5
To find the correct volume per dose, first convert the weight to kilograms (33 lb / 2.2 = 15 kg). Next, calculate the total daily dose by multiplying the weight by the prescribed dose (15 kg * 100 mg/kg = 1,500 mg/day). Since the medication is given every 6 hours, divide the total daily dose by 4 (24 hours / 6 hours = 4 doses), which equals 375 mg per dose. Finally, calculate the volume using the available concentration: 375 mg / 250 mg/mL = 1.5 mL.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Weight-based pediatric intravenous medication calculation requires converting weight to kilograms, calculating the total daily dosage, dividing by the administration frequency, and applying the available drug concentration.