MD writes an order for Ibuprofen 3 mg/kg by mouth every 6 hours for pain for a child. The child weighs 73 lb. Pharmacy dispenses you with 50 mg/2 ml. How many ml will you administer per dose?

I would administer 4 ml per dose.

Explanation:

Step 1: Determine mg as per child's weight

Use the expression below to determine the amount in mg per child weight;

Amount in mg=order per kg*weight of the child in kg

where;

order per kg=3 mg/kg

weight of child=73 lb

Convert weight of child from pounds to kilograms;

1 lb=0.454 kg

73 lb to kg=73*0.454=33.142 kg

weight of the child in kg=33.142

replacing;

Amount in mg=3*33.142=99.426 mg

Step 2: Determine amount to be administered per ml

Amount per ml=Amount in mg:dose per ml

where;

Amount in mg=99.426

dose per ml=50 mg/2 ml=25 mg/ml

replacing;

Amount per ml=99.426/25

Amount per ml=3.977 ml=4 ml

I would administer 4 ml per dose.