NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question

Let's calculate the amount of amoxicillin suspension the nurse should administer.

Steps:

1. Convert toddler's weight to kilograms (kg):
   • Weight (kg) = Weight (lb) / 2.2 lb/kg
   • Weight (kg) = 33 lb / 2.2 lb/kg
   • Weight (kg) ≈ 15 kg
2. Calculate total daily dose of amoxicillin:
   • Total dose (mg/day) = Dose per kg/day x Weight (kg)
   • Total dose (mg/day) = 30 mg/kg/day x 15 kg
   • Total dose (mg/day) = 450 mg/day
3. Calculate amoxicillin needed per dose (since it's given every 12 hours, we need half the daily dose):
   • Dose per administration (mg) = Total daily dose (mg/day) / Number of doses/day
   • Dose per administration (mg) = 450 mg/day / 2 doses/day
   • Dose per administration (mg) = 225 mg
4. Calculate the volume (mL) of suspension based on the concentration:
   • Concentration (mg/mL) = Amount of amoxicillin (mg) / Volume (mL)
   • We need to rearrange the formula to find the volume (mL): Volume (mL) = Amount of amoxicillin (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL)
   • Known values:
     • Amount of amoxicillin (mg) = 225 mg (calculated in step 3)
     • Concentration (mg/mL) = 200 mg/5 mL (from available suspension)
   • Volume (mL) = 225 mg / (200 mg/5 mL)
   • To simplify the calculation, divide both numerator and denominator by 25: Volume (mL) = (225 mg / 25) / (200 mg/5 mL / 25) Volume (mL) = 9 mL / 4 mL/mL. Pay attention here, dividing by mL/mL is the same as multiplying by 1)
   • Volume (mL) = 9 mL
5. Round the answer to the nearest tenth:
   • Volume (mL) ≈ 5.6 mL

Therefore, the nurse should administer approximately 5.6 mL of amoxicillin suspension per dose.

A. Take the medication with dairy products to increase absorption: Calcium carbonate antacids should not be taken with dairy products as they can reduce the absorption of calcium due to the formation of insoluble calcium salts. It's recommended to take calcium carbonate antacids between meals or with a light snack, but not with dairy products.
B. Decrease bulk in the diet to counteract the adverse effect of diarrhea: Calcium carbonate antacids can sometimes cause constipation rather than diarrhea. Increasing dietary fiber and fluid intake may help prevent constipation associated with the use of these antacids. Therefore, advising to decrease bulk in the diet is not appropriate.
C. Draw a glass of water after taking the medication: Calcium carbonate antacids should be taken with a full glass of water to ensure proper dissolution in the stomach and to prevent the risk of gastrointestinal irritation or obstruction. Water helps facilitate the dissolution and absorption of the medication, reducing the risk of adverse effects.
D. Reduce sodium intake: Calcium carbonate antacids may contain sodium, but reducing sodium intake is not a specific recommendation related to taking this medication. However, it's generally advisable to limit sodium intake for overall health, especially for individuals with conditions such as hypertension or heart failure.
 

A. The client who has a chest tube to water seal: A chest tube to water seal is primarily used to drain air or fluid from the pleural space. While the client with a chest tube may experience electrolyte imbalances due to fluid loss, hypokalemia is not directly associated with this type of drainage system.
B. The client who has a nasogastric (NG) tube to suction: Clients with nasogastric tubes to suction may experience hypokalemia due to the loss of gastric contents, which contain potassium. Suctioning removes gastric secretions, including potassium, from the body, leading to the risk of electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia.
C. The client who has an indwelling urinary catheter to gravity drainage: Gravity drainage of urine via an indwelling urinary catheter does not typically lead to significant potassium loss. While urinary catheterization may carry a risk of electrolyte imbalances over time, it is not as directly associated with hypokalemia as suctioning gastric contents.
D. The client who has a tracheostomy tube attached to humidified oxygen: Humidified oxygen delivery through a tracheostomy tube does not directly affect potassium levels. While clients receiving oxygen therapy may have other respiratory-related issues, hypokalemia is not typically a concern related to this type of therapy.