How it Works
Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (Free-Trial)

A nurse is preparing to administer methylprednisolone 7 mg/kg/day IM in two divided doses to a school-age child who weighs 64 lb. Available is methylprednisolone 20 mg/mL. How many mL should the nurse administer per dose? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)
Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is ["5.1"]

To calculate the correct dose of methylprednisolone, we need to follow these steps:

  1. Convert pounds to kilograms:

    • 64 lb * 0.4536 kg/lb = 29 kg

  2. Calculate the daily dose in milligrams:

    • 7 mg/kg/day * 29 kg = 203 mg/day

  3. Calculate the dose per administration:

    • Since the medication is divided into two doses, divide the daily dose by 2:
      • 203 mg/day / 2 = 101.5 mg/dose

  4. Determine the volume needed from the available concentration:

    • 101.5 mg * (1 mL / 20 mg) = 5.075 mL

Therefore, the nurse should administer 5.1 mL of methylprednisolone per dose.

Answer: 5.1 mL


Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Free Nursing Study Resources

Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Take 15 mL 1 hr. after meals and at bedtime:

This instruction uses milliliters (mL), which is a metric unit of volume. The metric system is widely used in medical settings for its precision and universality, making milliliters a standard measurement for liquid medications.

B) Take 2 drops four times daily:

This instruction uses drops as the unit of measurement. Drops are not a metric unit; they are a more general unit often used in prescribing liquid medications, especially for eye or ear drops, but they lack the precision of metric measurements.

C) Take 0.5 oz 30 min before meals and at bedtime:

This instruction uses ounces (oz), which are part of the imperial system, not the metric system. Ounces are commonly used in everyday measurements in some countries but are not the preferred unit in medical settings where metric units are standard.

D) Take 1 tsp four times daily:

This instruction uses teaspoons (tsp), which are not metric units. Teaspoons are part of the household measurement system and are less precise compared to metric units, which can lead to variations in dosing.

Correct Answer is ["0.9"]

Explanation

1. Convert patient weight to kilograms (kg):

Weight (lb) = 99 lb

Conversion factor: 1 kg = 2.2 lb

Weight (kg) = 99 lb / 2.2 lb/kg

Weight (kg) = 45 kg (rounded to one decimal place)

2. Calculate the total morphine dosage:

Morphine dosage (mg/kg) = 0.2 mg/kg (given)

Weight (kg) = 45 kg (calculated)

Total morphine dosage (mg) = Dosage (mg/kg) x Weight (kg)

Total morphine dosage (mg) = 0.2 mg/kg x 45 kg

Total morphine dosage (mg) = 9 mg (rounded to one decimal place)

3. Determine the volume to administer based on medication concentration:

Morphine concentration (mg/mL) = 10 mg/mL (available injection)

Total morphine dosage (mg) = 9 mg (calculated)

Volume (mL) = Dosage (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL)

Volume (mL) = 9 mg / 10 mg/mL

4. Round the answer to the nearest tenth:

Volume to administer = 0.9 mL (rounded to one decimal place)

Therefore, the nurse should administer 0.9 mL of morphine injection.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Register