NCLEX-RN practice › Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
NCLEX dosage calculation: pediatric acetaminophen in mL
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies · Multiple choice · Clinical judgment step: Take action
Client record
Admission data
- Age
- 2 years
- Weight
- 26.4 lb
- Allergies
- none
Pharmacy label
Acetaminophen oral suspension 160 mg/5 mL
A child is prescribed acetaminophen 15 mg/kg orally every 6 hours as needed for fever. How many mL should the nurse administer? Round to the nearest tenth.
- A. 3.8 mL
- B. 5.6 mL
- C. 8.4 mL
- D. 12.4 mL
Show the answer and rationales
Answer: B
Convert pounds to kilograms (÷ 2.2), multiply by the mg/kg dose, then divide by the concentration: 12 kg × 15 mg = 180 mg; 180 ÷ 32 = 5.6 mL.
- A. Incorrect. This uses 26.4 lb ÷ 2.2 = 12 kg but 10 mg/kg (120 mg ÷ 32 mg/mL = 3.75).
- B. Correct. Correct. 26.4 lb ÷ 2.2 = 12 kg. 12 kg × 15 mg/kg = 180 mg. 180 mg ÷ 32 mg/mL (160 mg/5 mL) = 5.6 mL.
- C. Incorrect. This is the dose for 18 kg, from a conversion error.
- D. Incorrect. This uses the weight in pounds without converting to kilograms.
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