A 10 kg child is prescribed a drug at 16 mg per kg per dose every 8 hours. The drug is available as 160 mg in 5 mL. What is the total daily dose, and how much should be given per dose?

1. A

   480 mg per day and 5 mL per dose

2. B

   160 mg per day and 5 mL per dose

3. C

   480 mg per day and 15 mL per dose

4. D

   320 mg per day and 10 mL per dose

Appeared in: NORCET Mains-11

Explanation

• First, the single dose is calculated by multiplying the child's weight by the prescribed dosage (10 kg × 16 mg/kg = 160 mg).
• Next, the total daily dose is determined by the frequency. A dose every 8 hours means 3 doses in 24 hours (24/8 = 3), so the total is 160 mg/dose × 3 doses = 480 mg/day.
• Finally, the volume per dose is calculated. Since the required dose is 160 mg and the drug is available as 160 mg in 5 mL, the volume for one dose is 5 mL.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option B: This option incorrectly identifies the total daily dose. 160 mg is the amount for a single dose, not the total for a 24-hour period.
• Option C: This option states the correct total daily dose but an incorrect volume per dose. Administering 15 mL would deliver 480 mg (3 times the required single dose).
• Option D: Both the total daily dose and the volume per dose are incorrect. A total of 320 mg would be correct for only two doses (e.g., every 12 hours), and 10 mL would deliver 320 mg, not the required 160 mg per dose.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Pediatric drug dosage calculation based on body weight and frequency to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
• Accurate drug calculation is a fundamental and critical nursing responsibility to ensure patient safety and prevent medication errors, especially in vulnerable populations like children.
• Always double-check calculations, especially for high-risk medications or pediatric patients. This is a key component of the 'Six Rights' of medication administration.
• What if? If the drug was available as 80 mg/5 mL instead, the volume per dose would double to 10 mL to deliver the same 160 mg dose [(160 mg / 80 mg) x 5 mL], while the total daily dose would remain 480 mg.

How to Approach the Question

• First, identify all the given information: child's weight (10 kg), prescribed dose (16 mg/kg/dose), frequency (every 8 hours), and available concentration (160 mg/5 mL).
• Second, calculate the amount for a single dose in mg: Multiply the child's weight by the prescribed mg/kg dose.
• Third, calculate the total number of doses per day based on the frequency (24 hours / 8 hours = 3 doses).
• Fourth, calculate the total daily dose in mg: Multiply the single dose amount by the number of doses per day.
• Fifth, calculate the volume (mL) for a single dose using the formula: (Dose Ordered / Dose on Hand) × Volume.
• Finally, compare your calculated total daily dose and single dose volume with the given options to find the correct match.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Pediatric drug dosage calculation based on body weight and frequency.
• Stem keywords: 10 kg child, prescribed drug, 16 mg per kg per dose, every 8 hours, 160 mg in 5 mL
• Lead-in keywords: total daily dose, how much should be given per dose
• Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.

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