14. The pharmacy technician receives the following prescription for amoxicillin suspension for a pediatric patient: Give 375 mg amoxicillin suspension b.i.d. X 10 days The pharmacy stocks amoxicillin 250 mg/5 mL suspension. How many mL should the technician calculate for a single dose?
Answer: B
7.5 mL of amoxicillin suspension should be calculated for a single dose.
To determine the correct volume for a single dose of amoxicillin suspension, the technician must convert the prescribed dosage of 375 mg into the volume based on the concentration of the suspension available, which is 250 mg per 5 mL.
A) 5
This option is incorrect because 5 mL of the suspension contains only 250 mg of amoxicillin. The prescribed dose is 375 mg, which requires a greater volume than this option provides.
B) 7.5
This option is correct as it is calculated by determining how much of the suspension is needed to achieve the 375 mg dosage. Since the suspension contains 250 mg in 5 mL, we can set up a proportion: (250 mg / 5 mL) = (375 mg / x mL). Solving for x gives us 7.5 mL.
C) 10
This option is incorrect because 10 mL of the suspension would yield 500 mg of amoxicillin, which exceeds the required dose of 375 mg. Therefore, this volume is unnecessary and incorrect for the prescription.
D) 15
This option is also incorrect as 15 mL of the suspension would provide 750 mg of amoxicillin, significantly higher than the prescribed 375 mg. This volume is excessive and not suitable for the dosage required.
Conclusion
The calculation for a single dose of amoxicillin suspension must align with the prescribed dosage of 375 mg. The correct option, 7.5 mL, accurately reflects the necessary volume based on the concentration provided. All other options either underdose or overdose the required amount, making them unsuitable for meeting the prescription's requirements.