Dosage Question

[misslo]

Yes, this is homework. I just need to know if I am hitting on the correct answer. I did the math the way I was taught, but it just doesnt look right!

Here goes:

Kelly has an infection and the doctor ordered Zinacef 65 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. If Kelly's weight is 50 lbs, what is her dose per day in mg.?

I came up with 1475.5 mg per day

It just doesn't look right!!

Thanks,

MissLo

[GingerSue]

that's the same daily total that I calculated

[allthingsbright]

yep, looks good!

[misslo]

Thanks a million! It just didn't look right and I figured it up a few times. I shall go with it then!

MissLo

[Thankful RN,BSN]

How did u come up with your answer.

[loriangel14, RN]

Yeah, looks right to me too.

[misslo]

well, 1kg = 2.2 lbs, so I divided 50 by 2.2 then multiplied it by 65.

MissLo

[Dolce, RN]

Sometimes the right answer doesn't always "look" right. But, your math is good here.

[miko014]

I think it's a trick question, that's why you feel like your answer is off. Your teacher threw in the three divided doses thing to throw you off. You're right though, if they question asks for the total DAILY dose, not the amt of each individual dose, you're spot on! I bet a lot of people will divide the answer by 3 and therefore miss the question!

Also, thanks for telling us it's homework and showing us what you have done!

[mo-mo]

OOPS! You forgot the final part of the equation, 'in 3 divided doses'. So divide by 3 and lil' Kelly shall live to see another day. Way to trust your instinct that the answer was not right. Soon, when you're checking doses on actual patients, you'll have your trusty nurses drug book to consult if the #'s don't look or 'feel' right. I use mine alot.

[mo-mo]

Sorry,miko! I am O N E S L O W T Y P I S T! DIDN'T SEE YOUR POST BEFORE SENDING MINE!

[mo-mo]

Drat! I hate trick questions...At least I have my trusty drug book!