Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 83%
Full-length
The physician prescribes penicillin potassium oral suspension 56 mg/kg/day in four divided doses for a client with anorexia nervosa who weighs 25 kg. The medication dispensed by the pharmacy contains a dosage strength of 125 mg/5 ml. How many milliliters of solution should the nurse administer with each dose?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
To determine the total daily dosage, set up the following proportion: 25 kg/X = 1 kg/56 mg, X = 1,400 mg. Next, divide the daily dosage by four doses to determine the dose to administer every 6 hours: X = 1,400 mg/4 doses, X = 350 mg/dose. The adolescent should receive 350 mg every 6 hours. Lastly, calculate the volume to give for each dose by setting up this proportion: X/350 mg = 5 ml/125 mg, X = 14 ml.