Final answer:
To determine the mL of interferon gamma-1b the child will receive, calculate the child's BSA and use it to find the total required dose in mcg. Then, convert the mcg dose to mL using the medication concentration. The example given assumes a BSA of 1 m², resulting in a 0.5 mL dosage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks how many milliliters (mL) of interferon gamma-1b a child should receive based on their prescription of 50 mcg/m2 and the available medication concentration of 100 mcg/0.5 mL. To calculate the dosage, follow these steps:
- Determine the body surface area (BSA) of the child using their weight and height.
- Use the BSA to calculate the total micrograms (mcg) of medication required.
- Convert the total mcg to the corresponding volume in milliliters (mL) using the available concentration of the medication.
The BSA can be estimated using various formulas, which are commonly found in medical references.
After calculating the BSA, multiply it by the prescribed dose of 50 mcg/m2. Then, divide the total mcg by the concentration of 100 mcg per 0.5 mL to determine the volume in mL.
For example, if a child has a BSA of 1 m2, they would require 50 mcg of interferon gamma-1b. As the medication is supplied in 100 mcg per 0.5 mL, the child would need 0.5 mL of the medication (since 50 mcg is half of the available 100 mcg).
Immunotherapy, like interferon gamma-1b, is a critical component of modern cancer treatment which can activate different immunological pathways to fight against cancer. Children with access to such treatments, including this prescribed medication, can be considered fortunate, as many children worldwide do not have access to routine vaccinations or advanced therapies to combat life-threatening diseases.