Question

Bennie weighs 34 lbs 8 oz. The order reads Demerol 15 mg IM q 3 hours prn.

The recommended dose is 1 - 1.8 mg/kg every 4-6 hours. Supplied: 50 mg per 1 ml.

Step 1: Weight in kg:                                                             _______________                             

Step 2: Safe dosage range:                                                     _______________

Step 3: Maximum safe dose for 24 hours:                             _______________

Step 4: Amount ordered for 24 hours:                                              ______________

Step 5: Is the ordered dose safe?                                          _______________

Step 6: Calculate amount to be given per dose:                     _______________

Answer 1

Given data

Patient weight= 34lbs 8 oz

Ordered dose = 15 mg/ q63hr

Recommend dose = 1 - 1.8 mg / kg 4-6 hourqw

Available dose = 50 mg / mL

1. Weight in kg

1 kg = 2.2 pound and 1 oz = 28.35 grams

34/2.2. = 15.45kg and 8 x 28.35 = 226.8 grams or 0.2 kg

The weight is 15.45 + 0.22 = 15. 67 Kg

2.1.8 mg is the maximum dose / 4-6 hrs. So 1.8 x 15.67= 28.2 mg/ 4-6 hrs

Dose for 24 hrs = 28.2 x 6 ( every 4 hrly) = 169.2 mg

Maximum dose is 169.2 / 24 hrs

3. Amount ordered for 24 hrs = 15 x 8 (every 3 hrs)

120 mg / 24 hrs

4. The ordered dose is below the maximum recommend level. So the ordered dose is safe.

5. Formula for dosage calculation.

Desired dose / available dose x concentration = dose to ne administered.

15 / 50 x 1 = 0.3 mL

0.3 mL tobe given every 3 hrly.