A nurse is preparing to administer gentamicin to a child who weighs 44 lb. The provider prescribes 6 mg/kg/day IV to be administered in three equal doses. Available is gentamicin 40 mg/mL. How many mL should the nurse administer with each dose?

(Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Choice A rationale:

A negative mammogram is not a requirement of the iPLEDGE program. Mammograms are used to screen for breast cancer and are not related to isotretinoin therapy.

Choice B rationale:

Regular Papanicolaou tests, which screen for cervical cancer, are not a requirement of the iPLEDGE program. These tests are not related to isotretinoin therapy.

Choice C rationale:

There is no requirement for clients to begin a daily supplement of vitamin A prior to initiating therapy. In fact, taking additional vitamin A while on isotretinoin can increase the risk of vitamin A toxicity.

Choice D rationale:

Sexually active female clients must use two forms of birth control during treatment. This is because isotretinoin can cause severe birth defects.

Choice A rationale:

Injecting the medication at least 5 cm (2 in) from the umbilicus is not a standard guideline for IM injections. The site of injection depends on factors such as the volume of medication and patient’s age and muscle mass.

Choice B rationale:

Using the Z-track technique to administer the medication is correct. This technique helps to seal the medication in muscle tissue, reducing leakage into subcutaneous tissue.

Choice C rationale:

Giving the medication without aspirating prior to injection is not recommended. Aspiration ensures that the needle is not in a blood vessel before injecting.

Choice D rationale:

Administering the medication with a 27-gauge '/,-inch needle may not be appropriate for an IM injection, especially for adults. A longer and larger gauge needle is typically used for IM injections.