Hey all, I have been buzzing along in my last semester of my LPN program and actually looking forward to the peds rotation. Until... I got my packet. In this packet are pages upon pages of pediatric dosage calculation problems to be done. We were not briefed, or had not gone over ANY of these prior to this rotation. I've been digging through my pharm book, pulled up web searches etc. and they don't come close to what I need to do or the way these "problems" are set up. I will be using the Lb to Kg conversion which I thought would be easy enough. But nooo. I go through all sources or means to find out "how to" on my own, but I am in a big time quandry over this. Perhaps there's a few kind hearted nurses who know a great way or a more simplified way to calculate two sample problems I have and then I am on my own. I'm not getting the "Is the dosage ordered safe" thing and the "divided dose thing." I would be a hundred times over if any of amazing nurses could help set me up with these two examples.
Lasix 10 mg IV stat is ordered for child weighing 22 lb. The recommended initial dose is 1 mg/kg. Is the dosage ordered safe?
Amoxicillin 150 mg p.o. q8h is ordered for an infant weighing 23 lb. The maximum daily dosage for an infant is Amox p.o. 20 to 40 mg/kg/day divided q8h. (Was this even set up right by the writer? It doesn't state how the med comes.) I have to prove if the dosage ordered is safe, and what is the divided dosage range. If I had an easy to follow formula that would sure help. I've been working on these for two days and don't think I have it. Plus I don't have any way to check my answer against the right one. Oh lawdy I'm a mess. Hope to hear from this great nursing community!
a hundred times over if any of amazing nurses could help set me up with these two examples.