67. Azithromycin suspension is available at 100 mg/5 mL and 200 mg/5 mL concentrations. A physician orders 150 mg to be given on the first day, and 75 mg to be given on days 2 through 5. How should this medication be administered?
Answer: D
7.5 mL of the 200 mg/5 mL suspension on day 1 and 3.7 mL on days 2 through 5
To administer 150 mg on the first day, 7.5 mL of the 200 mg/5 mL suspension is required, as this concentration provides the necessary dosage. For days 2 through 5, administering 3.7 mL will deliver the 75 mg needed each day.
A) 3.7 mL of the 100 mg/5 mL suspension on day 1 and 1.8 mL on days 2 through 5
This option is incorrect because 3.7 mL of the 100 mg/5 mL suspension would only provide 74 mg on day 1, which is insufficient to meet the required 150 mg dosage. Additionally, 1.8 mL of this suspension would deliver only 36 mg on days 2 through 5, which is below the needed 75 mg.
B) 3.7 mL of the 200 mg/5 mL suspension on day 1 and 1.8 mL on days 2 through 5
This choice is also incorrect. While 3.7 mL of the 200 mg/5 mL would yield 74 mg on day 1, it does not meet the required 150 mg dosage. Furthermore, 1.8 mL on days 2 through 5 would again provide only 36 mg, which is inadequate.
C) 5.0 mL of the 100 mg/5 mL suspension on day 1 and 2.5 mL on days 2 through 5
This option is incorrect as well. 5.0 mL of the 100 mg/5 mL suspension would only supply 100 mg on day 1, which is less than the required 150 mg. On days 2 through 5, 2.5 mL would provide 50 mg, which is also insufficient compared to the needed 75 mg.
D) 7.5 mL of the 200 mg/5 mL suspension on day 1 and 3.7 mL on days 2 through 5
This is the correct option. 7.5 mL of the 200 mg/5 mL suspension delivers exactly 150 mg on day 1, meeting the physician's order. On days 2 through 5, administering 3.7 mL provides 75 mg, fulfilling the daily requirement.
Conclusion
The correct administration of Azithromycin in this scenario is clearly outlined in option D. It accurately meets the specified dosages for both day 1 and the subsequent days, while the other options fail to provide the necessary amounts for proper treatment. Thus, option D is not only appropriate but essential for ensuring effective medication delivery.