A client weighing 220 lbs. is prescribed to receive 25 mg/kg of a ...

[WWatsford]

A client weighing 220 lbs. is prescribed to receive 25 mg/kg of a medication, divided over 4 equal doses. How many mg of the medication should the nurse provide for each dose?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

A client is prescribed a new medication. The pharmacy notifies the nurse that the dosage is outside of route prescribing limits. The nurse is unable to reach the prescribing physician about the order. What should the nurse do?
 
  1. Give the medication to the client as prescribed.
  2. Withhold the medication.
  3. Give one-half of the medication dose prescribed.
  4. Administer the medication through the oral route.

[adf223]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 625 mg

Global Rationale: First determine the client's weight in kg by dividing the weight in lbs. by 2.2, or 220/2.2 = 100 kg. Then multiply the prescribed dose of 25 mg x 100 kg = 2500 mg. Then divide the total mg dose by 4, or 2500/4 = 625 mg. The nurse should provide 625 mg of the medication for each dose.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: The nurse should not give the medication as prescribed, as the pharmacy has identified that the dose prescribed is outside of dosing limits.
Rationale 2: If the primary care provider cannot be reached, document all attempts to contact the primary care provider and the reason for withholding the medication.
Rationale 3: The nurse should not give the client one-half of the medication dose prescribed, as this is outside of the nurse's licensure.
Rationale 4: The nurse should not administer the medication through the oral route, as this might not be the best route for the medication and changing the route is outside of the nurse's licensure.

[WWatsford]

TYSM

[bdobbins]

Excellent