Using Young’s rule, if the patient is 3 years old, how much Pepcid is given per dose?
To calculate the age-appropriate dose of Pepcid using Young's rule, which estimates pediatric dosages based on age, we need to know the standard adult dose of Pepcid and the age of the patient.
The standard adult dose of Pepcid is typically around 20 mg. Young's rule states that the pediatric dose is calculated by dividing the age of the child (in years) by the sum of the age and 12, and then multiplying this fraction by the adult dose.
Let's calculate it for a 3-year-old patient:
Pediatric dose = (Age of the child / (Age of the child + 12)) * Adult dose
Pediatric dose = (3 / (3 + 12)) * 20 mg
First, we add the age of the child and 12:
3 + 12 = 15
Next, we calculate the fraction:
3 / 15 = 0.2
Finally, we multiply the fraction by the adult dose:
0.2 * 20 mg = 4 mg
Therefore, for a 3-year-old patient, the dose of Pepcid would be 4 mg per dose using Young's rule.
It's important to note that Young's rule is an approximation, and pediatric dosages should always be confirmed with a healthcare professional.