The prescriber wrote for a 40-kg child to receive 25 mg of medication 4 times a day. The therapeutic range is 5 to 10 mg/kg/day. What is the nurse's priority?
A) Change the dose to one that is within range.
B) Administer the medication because it is within the therapeutic range.
C) Notify the health care provider that the prescribed dose is in the toxic range.
D) Notify the health care provider that the prescribed dose is below the therapeutic range.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dosage range is 200 to 400 mg a day (5 * 40 = 200 and 10 * 40 = 400). The prescribed dose is 100 mg/day (4 * 25 = 100), which is below therapeutic range. The nurse should notify the health care provider first and ask for clarification on the order. The dose is not above the therapeutic range and is not at a toxic level. The nurse should never alter an order without the prescriber's approval and consent.

The Prescriber Wrote for a 40-Kg Child to Receive 25