Question

A physician orders gentamicin, 2.5 mg/kg thru an IV bag every 8 hours for an infection. The vial of medication is labeled 40.0 mg/mL gentamicin. If the patient, a child, weighs 60.5 lbs, how many milliliters will you give in a single dose (1 eight hour period)? (1.00 lb = 453.59 g)

Answer 1

we know that

1 lb = 453.59 g

so

mass of child = 60.5 x 453.59g

mass of child = 27442.195 g

mass of child = 27.442195 kg

now

the dosage is 2.5 mg / kg

so

amount of gentamicin required = mass of child x dosage

amount of gentamicin required = 27.442195 x 2.5 mg

amount of gentamicin required = 68.6054875 mg

now

volume required = mass / concentration

volume required = 68.6054875 / 40

volume required = 1.715 ml

so

1.715 ml should be given in a single dose