Calculating Safe Dose Ranges & ml/hr

[Savvy20RN, BSN, RN]

Hello everyone!

Before I get too far into this homework I want to make sure I'm doing these calculations right. :) We just started doing Peds calculations and so far I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing. Hahaha. Here is one of the questions:

1. Weight: 20 kg

Dx. abscess/MRSA

Order: Vancomycin 120mg/12 ml IV q6

Recommended Dose range- 10-15 mg/kg/dose

Rate to administer- Over 2 hours

A. What is the safe dose range? Is the order safe?

B. What is the rate to administer?

Here's what I have so far.

A. 20 kg X 10 mg/kg/dose= 200 mg/dose

Since it's every 6 hours that's 4 times a day so 800 mg/day

20 kg X 15 mg/kg/dose= 300 mg/dose so 1200 mg/day

120 mg x 4= 480

So, it's safe, but not in the therapeutic range?

B. 12ml / 2 hours (120 min) X 60 min/1 hr = 6 ml/hr

Is that right? If not, how do you do it and what did you get? Thanks in advance!

[illuminati88]

Calculations look good to me. Therapeutic range is in question since the minimum dosage is 200mg and 120mg is ordered...

[Luke, RN]

Correct calculations, but the doses are not safe because any of the undesired side effects will be present, but will not benefit the pt. That is how I was taught, so ask your instructors of that's what they are looking for.

[Savvy20RN, BSN, RN]

Awesome! Thanks guys. Now I can finish the rest of my homework!