A child weighs 20 kg and has an order for Garamycin (gentamicin) 40 mg IV piggyback every 8 hours. The recommended dosage range is 2 to 2.5 mg/kg every 8 hours. The medication is supplied in 20-mg vials with a strength of 10 mg/mL. How many milliliters would the nurse withdraw from the vial? Use dimensional analysis to calculate the amount to give.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

First, determine the safe dosage range. Lower range: 2 mg * 20 kg = 40 mg/kg/every 8 hours. Higher range: 2.5 mg * 20 kg = 50 mg/kg/every 8 hours. The safe dosage range is 40 mg to 50 mg/kg/8 hours. The prescribed dose of 40 mg, q8h, is within the safe range. To determine the amount of milliliters to give, consider the available amount (10 mg/mL). Use dimensional analysis: 1 mL/10 mg * 40 mg = 1 mL *40/10 = 40/10 = 4 mL.

A Child Weighs 20 Kg and Has an Order for Garamycin