Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) Practice Exam

What is the total daily dose in mg for a child weighing 66 pounds when prescribed an antibiotic at 15 mg/kg twice a day by IV?

1. 225 mg

2. 450 mg

3. 675 mg

4. 900 mg

The correct answer is: 900 mg

To determine the total daily dose in mg for a child weighing 66 pounds when prescribed an antibiotic at 15 mg/kg twice a day by IV, it is important to first convert the child's weight from pounds to kilograms. Since 1 kilogram is approximately equal to 2.2 pounds, you can calculate the weight in kilograms by dividing the weight in pounds by 2.2. So, for a child weighing 66 pounds: 66 lbs ÷ 2.2 = 30 kg (approximately). Next, you will calculate the dose per administration. The prescription indicates that the child should receive 15 mg for each kg of body weight. Therefore, the dose per administration is calculated as follows: 15 mg/kg × 30 kg = 450 mg per administration. Since the antibiotic is to be administered twice a day, you must multiply the dose per administration by the frequency of administration: 450 mg × 2 = 900 mg total daily dose. Thus, the total daily dose is 900 mg, making this the correct answer. This calculation correctly reflects the requirements of the dosing regimen prescribed and effectively considers both the child’s weight and the frequency of administration.