Question

example 3: safe dosage range & single-dose
medications

• meds may be ordered as mg/kg/dose.
• multiply the recommended dose by the child’s weight.

order: narcan 1.2 mg iv stat for a child whose weight is 12 kg.
recommended dosage is 0.1 mg/kg/dose
available: narcan 0.4 mg/ml

1. is the dosage ordered safe?
2. what volume of narcan will you draw up?

Explanation:

1) Is the dosage ordered safe?

Step1: Calculate safe dose

Multiply recommended dose (0.1 mg/kg/dose) by child's weight (12 kg).
Safe dose = \( 0.1 \, \text{mg/kg} \times 12 \, \text{kg} = 1.2 \, \text{mg} \)

Step2: Compare with ordered dose

Ordered dose is 1.2 mg. Since ordered dose (1.2 mg) equals safe dose (1.2 mg), it is safe.

Step1: Recall formula for volume

Volume = \( \frac{\text{Dose Ordered}}{\text{Concentration Available}} \)

Step2: Substitute values

Dose Ordered = 1.2 mg, Concentration = 0.4 mg/mL.
Volume = \( \frac{1.2 \, \text{mg}}{0.4 \, \text{mg/mL}} = 3 \, \text{mL} \)

Answer:

Yes, the ordered dosage (1.2 mg) equals the safe dose (1.2 mg), so it is safe.

2) What volume of Narcan will you draw up?