Published Jan 16, 2006
Bala Shark
573 Posts
Here is the problem. Did I do it right:
The adult dose of a medication is 30 mg. The child's weight is 30 lbs. What is the correct dose?
30/150 = 1/5
1/5 x 30 mg = 6 mg
Leda
157 Posts
Your answer is correct. The formula for Clark's Rule is:
Weight of the child in pounds/150 ("normal" adult weight) X the usual adult dose = the "safe pediatric dose". So, when you plug in your numbers (30 mg adult does & 30 lb child) the answer is 6 mg.
Clark's Rule is not used clinically but it is a favorite dosage calculation formula for pediatric nursing instructors.