A nurse is preparing to administer amoxicillin 80 mg/kg/day divided into two doses daily to a 2-year-old client who weighs 10 kg (22 lb) Available is amoxicillin suspension 400 mg/5 mL. How many mL of amoxicillin should the nurse administer per dose? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number.
Use a leading zero if it applies.
Do not use a trailing zero.)

The correct answer is Choice D: 5 mL.

Choice A: 8 mL This choice suggests administering 8 mL of amoxicillin per dose. However, based on the child’s weight (10 kg) and the prescribed dosage (80 mg/kg/day divided into two doses), the correct calculation leads to a dosage of 5 mL per dose. Therefore, 8 mL would be more than the recommended dosage.

Choice B: 80 mL Administering 80 mL of amoxicillin per dose would be significantly more than the recommended dosage. This could potentially lead to an overdose, which could cause harmful side effects.

Choice C: 10 mL While 10 mL is close to the correct dosage, it is still double the recommended amount. Administering too much amoxicillin could potentially lead to an overdose and cause harmful side effects.

Choice D:

Step 1: Calculate the total amount of amoxicillin needed per day.

The total amount of amoxicillin needed per day is calculated by multiplying the weight of the child by the dosage per kg. So, 80 mg/kg/day × 10 kg = 800 mg/day.

Step 2: Divide the total amount of amoxicillin needed per day by the number of doses per day.

The total amount of amoxicillin needed per day is divided into two doses. So, 800 mg/day ÷ 2 = 400 mg/dose.

Step 3: Calculate the volume of amoxicillin suspension needed per dose.

The volume of amoxicillin suspension needed per dose is calculated by dividing the amount of amoxicillin needed per dose by the concentration of the suspension. So, 400 mg/dose ÷ (400 mg/5 mL) = 5 mL/dose.

Therefore, the nurse should administer 5 mL of amoxicillin per dose.

The correct answer is choice d. Demonstrate deep-breathing and counting exercises.

Choice A rationale:

Using vague language to describe the procedure can increase anxiety and fear in the child. Clear and age-appropriate explanations help the child understand what to expect.

Choice B rationale:

A 30-minute teaching session may be too long for a school-age child, leading to loss of attention and increased anxiety. Short, focused sessions are more effective.

Choice C rationale:

Explaining the procedure in the playroom can associate a place of comfort with stress and anxiety. It’s better to explain the procedure in a neutral or medical setting.

Choice D rationale:

Demonstrating deep-breathing and counting exercises helps the child manage anxiety and pain during the procedure. These techniques are effective coping strategies for children undergoing medical procedures.