PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)MedicationsHard
A pharmacy technician is performing a final check on a prescription for a pediatric patient. The prescription is for 'amoxicillin 250 mg/5 mL, take 5 mL by mouth three times daily'. The child's weight is 20 kg. The recommended pediatric dose for amoxicillin is 20-40 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours. Is the prescribed dose appropriate for this child?
- ANo, the dose is too low.
- BNo, the dose is too high.
- CThe dose cannot be determined without the child's age.
- DYes, the dose is within the recommended range.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Yes, the dose is within the recommended range.
Calculation: 5 mL of 250 mg/5 mL solution = 250 mg per dose. Three times daily = 250 mg * 3 = 750 mg/day. Recommended range for a 20 kg child: 20 mg/kg/day * 20 kg = 400 mg/day (low end); 40 mg/kg/day * 20 kg = 800 mg/day (high end). The prescribed dose of 750 mg/day falls within the recommended range of 400-800 mg/day.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The dose is not too low; it is well within the recommended range.
- B. The dose is not too high; it is within the recommended range.
- C. The child's weight is provided, which is sufficient for calculating the appropriate dose range based on mg/kg/day guidelines.
Pediatric Dosing Calculation (mg/kg/day)
Calculating the appropriate daily dose of a medication for a pediatric patient based on their body weight and a recommended dose range per kilogram per day.
- Dose = (mg/kg/day) * weight (kg).
- Ensure the total daily dose is divided appropriately for administration frequency.
- Always compare calculated dose to the prescribed dose range.
Memory trick: Kids' doses need careful checks, weight matters, no dose wrecks.