36. A physician writes a prescription for amoxicillin PO 50 mg/kg/day in three divided doses for a 2-year old patient weighing 25 lb. Amoxicillin is available in a 125 mg/5 mL suspension. A single dose dispensed in an oral syringe would contain:
Answer: B
A single dose dispensed in an oral syringe would contain 150 mg/6 mL.
To determine the amount of amoxicillin in a single dose for the 2-year-old patient, we first convert the patient's weight from pounds to kilograms. The calculation shows that the total daily dose is 227 mg, which is then divided into three doses, resulting in 75.67 mg per dose. Given the concentration of the suspension, 150 mg is equivalent to 6 mL.
A) 140 mg/5 mL
This option suggests a lower dose of amoxicillin than what is required. To achieve a dose of 140 mg, the volume would need to be adjusted, but this does not correspond to the calculated dose based on the patient's weight and the prescribed regimen.
B) 150 mg/6 mL
This option correctly represents the calculated dose for the patient. Based on the weight of 25 lb (approximately 11.34 kg), the total daily dose of 50 mg/kg translates to 227 mg per day, which is divided into three doses of approximately 75.67 mg each. The concentration of the suspension allows for a 6 mL dose to provide 150 mg.
C) 190 mg/7.6 mL
This option represents a higher dose than what is calculated. If a dose of 190 mg were used, it would exceed the required dose for the patient based on their weight and the prescribed dosing schedule, making it inappropriate.
D) 417 mg/3.4 mL
This option suggests an exceedingly high dosage that is not feasible for a 2-year-old patient. The calculated dose based on the patient's weight does not support this amount, and thus it is an incorrect choice.
Conclusion
The correct answer is B) 150 mg/6 mL, as this accurately reflects the appropriate dosage based on the patient's weight and the prescribed amount of amoxicillin. All other options either suggest incorrect dosages or volumes that do not align with the required medical calculations for this patient.