Solumedrol 1.5 mg per KG of body weight is ordered for a child weighing 2.0 pounds. Solumedrol is available as 75 mg / mL solution. How many mL should the nurse administer? Use dimensional analysis..
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To solve this problem using dimensional analysis, we will convert the weight of the child from pounds to kilograms and then use the formula to calculate the required dose in milliliters.
Step 1: Convert pounds to kilograms.
1 kilogram is approximately equal to 2.20462 pounds. So, to convert pounds to kilograms, we can use the following conversion factor:
2.0 pounds × (1 kilogram / 2.20462 pounds) = 0.907 kg (rounded to three decimal places)
Step 2: Calculate the dose in milligrams.
The ordered dose is 1.5 mg per kg of body weight. Therefore, we need to calculate the dose required for the child's weight of 0.907 kg.
Dose = Body weight (in kg) × Dose per kg
Dose = 0.907 kg × 1.5 mg/kg = 1.3605 mg (rounded to four decimal places)
Step 3: Convert milligrams to milliliters.
Solumedrol is available as a 75 mg per mL solution. So, we can use the following conversion:
1.3605 mg × (1 mL / 75 mg) = 0.018140 mL (rounded to six decimal places)
Therefore, the nurse should administer approximately 0.018140 mL of Solumedrol to the child.