A child who weighs 55 lb receives a prescription for cefotaxime 150 mg/kg/day IV in divided doses every 6 hours. How many mg should the nurse administer each day?

(Enter numerical value only.)

Rationale

A. Children with eczema often scratch their itchy skin, which can lead to skin breakdown, bleeding, and secondary infections. Short nails minimize the trauma inflicted on the skin during scratching and help prevent complications.

B. Bathing helps to hydrate the skin and remove allergens, bacteria, and other irritants that can exacerbate eczema. Bathing daily with bath oil helps to moisturize the skin and prevent dryness. Bath oils or emollients should be used instead of harsh soaps, which can strip the skin of natural oils and worsen dryness. However, it's essential to ensure the water is not too hot and to limit bath time to avoid drying out the skin.

C. Moisturizing the skin is a cornerstone of eczema management. Applying a moisturizer, such as baby lotion or emollient cream, helps to hydrate the skin, reduce dryness, and protect the skin barrier. Moisturizers should ideally be applied at least twice daily, especially after bathing or showering when the skin is damp to lock in moisture. Choosing a moisturizer that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic is beneficial to avoid further irritation.

D. Cotton clothing is recommended for children with eczema because it is breathable and less likely to irritate sensitive skin compared to synthetic fabrics. Cotton allows better air circulation around the skin, which can help prevent overheating and sweating, both of which can exacerbate eczema symptoms. Avoiding wool and synthetic fabrics that can cause friction and irritation is important.

Convert the weight to kilograms, knowing that 1 kilogram equals 2.2 pounds. The child weighs approximately 25 kilograms (55 ÷ 2.2). Then, multiply the weight in kilograms by the prescribed amount of medication, which is 150 mg/kg/day.

So, 25 kg × 150 mg/kg/day equals 3750 mg/day.