Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

How much ibuprofen should a nurse administer to an infant who weighs 17.6 lb for a temperature above 38.0 degrees Celsius?

1. 1 mL

2. 2 mL

3. 3 mL

4. 4 mL

The correct answer is: 2 mL

To determine the correct dosage of ibuprofen for an infant who weighs 17.6 pounds, it is essential to follow the recommended dosage guidelines for ibuprofen in pediatrics. The typical dosing guideline for ibuprofen in infants is based on weight, usually calculated as 5 to 10 mg per kilogram of body weight, administered every 6 to 8 hours as needed. First, converting the infant's weight from pounds to kilograms is necessary because dosages are calculated in mg/kg. There are approximately 2.2 pounds in a kilogram, so an infant weighing 17.6 pounds is approximately 8 kilograms (17.6 lb ÷ 2.2 lb/kg ≈ 8 kg). Using a midpoint dosage of 10 mg/kg for a higher fever would result in a daily dosage of approximately 80 mg (10 mg/kg × 8 kg). Since ibuprofen is typically available in a concentration of 100 mg/5 mL in liquid form, calculating the volume needed involves converting the total dose into a volume that matches the concentration. Dividing the desired dosage by the concentration gives the required volume: 80 mg ÷ (100 mg/5 mL) = 4 mL. Since ibuprofen