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Chapter 10 Dosage Problems for Infants and Children. Converting Ounces to Pounds. 16 ounces = 1 lb An infant weighs 6 lbs 12 ounces Divide 12 ounces by 16 and get a decimal: 0.75 Add the answer to the pounds to get the total pounds 6 lbs + 0.75 pound = 6.75 pounds .
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Converting Ounces to Pounds • 16 ounces = 1 lb • An infant weighs 6 lbs 12 ounces • Divide 12 ounces by 16 and get a decimal: 0.75 • Add the answer to the pounds to get the total pounds • 6 lbs + 0.75 pound = 6.75 pounds
Converting Pounds to Kilograms • 2.2 lbs = 1 kg • A child weighs 35 lb • Divide 35 lbs by 2.2 and round answer off to the nearest hundredth: 15.91 kg
Question Is the following statement true or false? An infant weighs 9 lbs. This is equal to 4.2 kg.
Answer False • 2.2 lbs = 1 kg • A infant weighs 9 lb • Divide 9 lbs by 2.2 and round answer off to the nearest hundredth: 4.09 kg
Steps and Rule – mg/kg Body Weight • Convert pounds to kilograms, dividing by 2.2 • Determine the safe dose range in milligrams per kilograms • Decide whether the ordered dose is safe by comparing the order with the safe dose range listed in the reference • Calculate the dose needed
Sample Problem mg/kg Body Weight • A child weighs 18 kg and has an order for Dilantin (phenytoin sodium) 30 mg po every 8 hours. The recommended dosage is 5 mg/kg/day in two or three equally divided dosages. Is the dosage safe? • Determine the safe dose range in milligrams per kilograms: 18 kg × 5 mg/kg/day = 90 mg day. The safe dosage for this child per day is 90 mg. • Decide whether the ordered dose is safe by comparing the order with the safe dose range listed in the reference: Yes, this dosage is safe.
Steps and Rule – m2 Medication Orders • Find the BSA in m2 • Determine the safe dose using a reference • Decide whether the ordered dose is safe • Calculate the dose needed
Steps to Solving Parenteral Pediatric Medications IVP • Convert pounds to kilograms • Determine the safe dose range in mg/kg using a drug reference • Decide whether the ordered dose is safe by comparing the order with the safe dosage range listed in the reference • Calculate the dose needed • Check the reference for diluent and duration for administration
Question A child weighs 50.6 lbs and has an order for gentamicin 50 mg IVPB. The recommended dosage for a child is 6 to 7.5 mg/day divided every 8 hours. Is the dosage ordered safe?
Answer Yes, the dosage is safe. • Convert pounds to kilograms: 50.6 lb = 23 kg • Determine the safe dose range in mg/kg using a drug reference: 6 mg × 23 = 138 per day / 3 doses a day 46 mg/dose ---- 7.5 mg × 23 = 172.5 mg per day / 3 doses = 57.5 mg/dose
General Guidelines for Continuous IV Medication • Continuous IV dosages are based on weight in kilograms • Always use an infusion pump and/or volume control set • Small bags of fluid used to prevent fluid overload • Follow institutional requirements for continuous IV infusions • Consult a pediatric text or drug reference to determine the safe dosage range