Question

situations:

1. an infant weighing 12 lb. 4 oz. has a fever and needs tylenol (acetaminophen). determine the minimum and maximum dose to be given. (10 - 15 mg acetaminophen/kg body weight; every 6 - 8 hours)

Explanation:

Step1: Convert weight to kg

First, convert \(12\ lb\ 4\ oz\) to pounds. Since \(1\ lb = 16\ oz\), then \(4\ oz=\frac{4}{16}= 0.25\ lb\). So the weight in pounds is \(12 + 0.25=12.5\ lb\).
Now convert pounds to kg. We know that \(1\ kg\approx2.205\ lb\). So \(m=\frac{12.5}{2.205}\approx5.67\ kg\)

Step2: Calculate minimum dose

The minimum dose is \(10\ mg/kg\). Using the formula \(D_{min}=10\times m\), substitute \(m = 5.67\)
\(D_{min}=10\times5.67 = 56.7\ mg\)

Step3: Calculate maximum dose

The maximum dose is \(15\ mg/kg\). Using the formula \(D_{max}=15\times m\), substitute \(m = 5.67\)
\(D_{max}=15\times5.67=85.05\ mg\)

Answer:

The minimum dose is approximately \(56.7\ mg\) and the maximum dose is approximately \(85.05\ mg\)