A child weighs 3 kg and has an order for phenobarbital sodium 10 mg po per day. The literature states that the usual children's dose is 3 to 5 mg/kg/day. The drug label reads phenobarbital elixir 20 mg/5 mL. How many milliliters should the nurse administer? Use the formula method to calculate the amount to give.
A) 1.5
B) 2
C) 2.5
D) 3

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Determine the safe dosage range. The literature states that the usual children's dose is 3 to 5 mg/kg/day. Lower range: 3 mg * 3 kg = 9 mg. Higher range: 5 mg * 3 kg = 15 mg. The safe dosage range for this child per day is 9 to 15 mg. This dose is safe at 10 mg. The nurse should administer 2.5 mL. Use the formula method: 10 mg/20 mg * 5 mL = 50/20 = 2.5 mL.

A Child Weighs 3 Kg and Has an Order for Phenobarbital