Practice Problems for Pediatric Patients
(LO 3-10) The physician orders 40 mg of a drug to be administered orally to a child weighing 18 kg. The package insert states that the dose range is between 6 mg and 7.5 mg/kg/day. What is the safe dose range for 24 hours? What is the safe dose range in 4 divided doses?
6 mg X kg = dose in 24 hours
6 mg X 18 kg = 108 mg/day
7.5 mg X kg = dose in 24 hours
7.5 mg X 18 kg = 135 mg/day
The safe dosage range is between 108 mg to 135 mg/day.
108 mg divided by 4 = 27 mg
135 mg divided by 4 = 34 mg
The safe dosage range in 4 divided doses is between 27 to 34 mg.