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-11 Mains

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.

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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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