Answer:
30 mL per one dose
Explanation:
In order to solve dosage calculation problems such as these, the first step is to convert the child's weight from pounds (lb) to kilograms (kg). In general, the healthcare field operates using the metric system rather than the imperial system, and this prompt reflects just that; other than the weight, the other units of measurement are listed in units of grams and liters.
To convert this patient's weight from pounds to kilograms, multiply it by the conversion factor (a proportion reflecting equivalent measurements) of 2.2lb per kg.
44 lb × (kg / 2.2 lb)
lb in both numerator and denominator cancel each other out, leaving kg as the remaining unit of measurement.
44 × (kg / 2.2)
= 44 kg / 2.2
= 20 kg
The antibiotic medication vancomycin is prescribed to the patient in a weight-based dose of 15 mg per kg per day (15 mg/kg/day). Multiplying this rate by the patient's weight delivers the ordered amount of medication. The ordered amount is the quantity of medication written and prescribed typically by a physician.
20 kg × 15 mg/kg/day
kg in both numerator and denominator cancel each other out, leaving mg/day as the remaining units of measurement.
20 × 15 mg/day
= (20 × 15 mg) / day
= 300 mg / day
With the ordered amount of vancomycin to administer per day, the volume of medication that would match can be determined. Doing so requires multiplying this ordered amount by the dosage strength. The dosage strength is the concentration of medication available from the pharmacy's stock, usually listed on the medication label.
300 mg / day × (mL / 5 mg)
mg in both numerator and denominator cancel each other out, leaving mL/day as the remaining units of measurement.
300 / day × (mL / 5)
= 300 mL / 5 day
= 60 mL / day
The patient is to be administered 60 mL of vancomycin per day. According to the prompt, this total is divided into two doses. Thus, dividing this 60 mL by 2 doses provides the answer for individual dosage.
60 mL ÷ 2 = 30 mL
The patient should be administered 30 mL at one dose.