Final answer:
To determine the dosage of Lasix for a 20 kg child prescribed 2 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours, the calculation involves finding the daily dose and then converting it into milliliters based on the medication's concentration. The child will require a total of 1 mL per dose, given every 6 hours.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the dosage of Lasix (furosemide) suspension required for a child who weighs 20 kg, you must first determine the total daily dose in milligrams and then convert that dose into milliliters using the concentration provided. According to the order, the child needs 2 mg/kg of body weight daily, in divided doses every 6 hours (q6h). Since the child weighs 20 kg, the total daily dose is:
Total daily dose = 2 mg/kg × 20 kg = 40 mg/day
This total dose is divided into four doses, given every 6 hours:
Dose per administration = 40 mg/day ÷ 4 = 10 mg
The medication's concentration is 10 mg/mL. To find out how many milliliters are needed per dose, you divide the dose per administration by the concentration:
Volume per dose = 10 mg ÷ (1 mL / 10 mg) = 1 mLTherefore, the child will need 1 mL of the suspension for each dose, every 6 hours. It's crucial to use precise measurements and units to ensure the correct amount of medication is administered.