Using a nursing drug reference, find the safe dosage ranges and calculate the dosage for the
prescribed antibiotics. Are the prescribed doses within the safe ranges? Show all work.
What will be an ideal response?
J.R. weighs 30 kg.
Ceftazidime (Fortaz) dosage range: 100 to 150 mg/kg q8h
Low range: 30 kg × 100 mg/kg = 3000 mg
High range: 30 kg × 150 mg/kg = 4500 mg
The safe dosage range for ceftazidime for J.R. is 3000 to 4500 mg per dose. The dose ordered is
low and is considered safe but not therapeutic.
Gentamicin (Gentak) dosage range: 2 to 2.5 mg/kg q8h
Low range: 30 kg × 2 mg/kg = 60 mg
High range: 30 kg × 2.5 mg/kg = 75 mg
The safe dosage range for gentamicin for J.R. is 60 to 75 mg per dose. His dose is high but might
be therapeutic. Monitor blood levels according to policy.
Vancomycin (Vancocin) dosage range: 40 mg/kg/day in three to four divided doses
40 mg/kg/day × 30 kg = 1200 mg/day
The dose would be 400 mg q8h or 300 mg q6h. The dose ordered might be therapeutic but might
not be safe because it is above the dosage range. Monitor blood levels according to policy.
Several medication dosages are above the recommended maximum. Because of high resistance of
the bacteria associated with CF, it is not uncommon to prescribe above the recommended maximum.
You might also like to view...
During an assessment, a patient mentions that "I just can't smell like I used to. I can barely smell the roses in my garden. Why is that?" For which possible causes of changes in the sense of smell will the nurse assess? Select all that apply
a. Chronic alcohol use b. Cigarette smoking c. Frequent episodes of strep throat d. Chronic allergies e. Aging f. Herpes simplex virus I
A nurse comes to a mandatory education session wearing a shirt with a picture and slogan that is degrading to nursing. What should the manager do first?
1. Tell the employee to go home and change. 2. Check the human resources policies regarding appropriate dress. 3. Ask the employee why the shirt was worn to this event. 4. Bring the employee a scrub shirt from surgery to change into.
Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs) are examples of which type of organizational structures?
a. Capitated care b. Disease preventive care c. Health promotion care d. Managed care
An adolescent is experiencing anaphylactic shock after being stung by a swarm of bees. Which medications should the nurse anticipate being provided to this patient?
Select all that apply. 1. diuretics 2. antibiotics 3. epinephrine 4. beta2-agonist 5. antihistamine