Question

The order is to begin Medication G 0.375 mg PO BID. The patient is 9 years old and weighs 28 kg. The package insert says:

PO (Children <10 yr or 30 kg): Initial daily dose of 0.01–0.03 mg/kg/day (not to exceed 0.05 mg/kg/day) given in 2–3 equally divided doses…

A. The weight-based recommended dosage range for this patient is 0.14–0.42 mg BID. The ordered dose is safe.
B. The weight-based recommended dosage range for this patient is 0.28–0.42 mg BID. The ordered dose is safe.
C.The weight-based recommended dosage range for this patient is 0.28–0.84 mg BID. The ordered dose is safe.
D.The weight-based recommended dosage range for this patient is 0.14–0.84 mg BID. The ordered dose is safe.

Answer 1

The weight-based recommended dosage range for a 9-year-old patient who weighs 28 kg is 0.14–0.42 mg BID, and the ordered dose of Medication G 0.375 mg PO BID is safe.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine if the ordered dose is safe for a 9-year-old patient weighing 28 kg, we need to calculate the weight-based recommended dosage per the package insert instructions. According to the package insert: Children <10 yr or 30 kg: Initial daily dose of 0.01–0.03 mg/kg/day (not to exceed 0.05 mg/kg/day) given in 2–3 equally divided doses.

First, we calculate the range of the daily dose:

• Minimum daily dose = 28 kg x 0.01 mg/kg = 0.28 mg/day
• Maximum daily dose = 28 kg x 0.03 mg/kg = 0.84 mg/day
• These doses are meant to be given in two equally divided doses (BID), which yield the following:
• Minimum dose per administration = 0.28 mg/day / 2 = 0.14 mg BID
• Maximum dose per administration = 0.84 mg/day / 2 = 0.42 mg BID

Therefore, the weight-based recommended dosage range for this patient is 0.14–0.42 mg BID. Given that the order is to begin Medication G 0.375 mg PO BID, this dose is within the safe range, and thus is safe for the patient.