Question

Solumedrol 2.5 mg/kg is ordered for a child weighing 20 kg. Solumedrol is available as 125 mg/3 mL is available. How many mL must the nurse administer?

Answer 1

The nurse needs to administer 1.2 mL of Solumedrol to the child weighing 20 kg based on the ordered dosage of 2.5 mg/kg and the available concentration of the medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate how many mL of Solumedrol the nurse must administer to a child weighing 20 kg, we should first determine the total dose needed, then convert that dose to the appropriate volume using the concentration of the medication available.

First, calculate the total dose: 2.5 mg/kg * 20 kg = 50 mg.

Next, find out how many mL corresponds to that dose, using the concentration provided, which is 125 mg in 3 mL.

Establish the proportion:

• 125 mg : 3 mL = 50 mg : X mL

Solve for X (the volume needed):

• X = (50 mg * 3 mL) / 125 mg
• X = 150 mL / 125 mg
• X = 1.2 mL

Therefore, the nurse needs to administer 1.2 mL of Solumedrol to the child.