A nurse is preparing to administer amoxicillin 30 mg/kg/day divided equally every 12 hr to a toddler who weighs 33 lb. Available is amoxicillin 200 mg/5 mL suspension. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

To calculate the dose of amoxicillin for the toddler:

Step 1: Convert the toddler's weight from pounds to kilograms.

33 lb ÷ 2.2 (lb to kg conversion factor) = approximately 15 kg

Step 2: Calculate the total daily dose of amoxicillin.

Dose = 30 mg/kg/day × 15 kg = 450 mg/day

Step 3: Divide the total daily dose into equal doses every 12 hours.

450 mg/day ÷ 2 doses = 225 mg/dose

Step 4: Calculate the amount of amoxicillin suspension needed for each dose.

The available concentration is 200 mg/5 mL, so for 225 mg, you would use the proportion:

225 mg : 200 mg = x mL : 5 mL

Cross-multiplying: x = (225 mg × 5 mL) / 200 mg ≈ 5.625 mL

Therefore, the nurse should administer approximately 5.625 mL of amoxicillin suspension for each dose.

A. "I will continue to check his blood sugar two times every day."

Correct Explanation: This statement indicates a need for further instruction.

Explanation: A child with type 1 diabetes requires frequent blood sugar monitoring, especially during illness. Checking blood sugar only twice a day is not sufficient, especially when the child has an upper respiratory infection. Illness can impact blood sugar levels, so more frequent monitoring is necessary to ensure proper diabetes management.

B. "I will report a change in her breathing or any signs of confusion."

Incorrect Explanation: This statement shows awareness of potential complications and the need to monitor for them.

Explanation: Children with type 1 diabetes are at risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) when they are sick. Changes in breathing patterns and signs of confusion are symptoms of DKA. Reporting these symptoms is important, as it could indicate a serious diabetic complication.

C. "I will encourage her to drink half a cup of water or sugar-free fluid every 30 minutes."

Incorrect Explanation: This statement demonstrates proper fluid management, especially during illness.

Explanation: Encouraging the child to stay hydrated with sugar-free fluids is essential, particularly when the child has an upper respiratory infection. Proper hydration helps prevent dehydration, which can be more concerning for a child with diabetes.

D. "I will notify the doctor if her temperature is not controlled by acetaminophen."

Incorrect Explanation: This statement shows an understanding of the importance of managing fever in a child with diabetes.

Explanation: Children with diabetes can experience difficulty managing blood sugar levels when they're sick. Fever can exacerbate this issue. Using acetaminophen to control fever is appropriate, and notifying the doctor if fever persists is a responsible action.