Pediatric Medication Administration and Calculations

Question 1

Subcutaneous route

Answer 1

• common sites: central third of the lateral aspect of the upper arm, the abdomen, and the central third of the anterior thigh.

Question 2

Intramuscular route

Answer 2

• needle length and gauge: 0.5-1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 cm) and 22-25 gauge.
  Sites:
• neonate: vastus lateralis (0.5)
• Infant (1-12m): vastus lateralis (0.5-1)
• toddler (1-2y): vastus lateralis (0.5-2); rectus femoris (0.5-1); deltoid (0.5-1).
• preschool to child (3-12y): vastus lateralis (2); rectus femoris (2); ventrogluteal (0.5-3); deltoid (0.5-1).
• adolescent (12-18y): vastus lateralis (2); rectus femoris (2); ventrogluteal (2-3); deltoid (1-1.5).

Question 3

Special IV adm sets

Answer 3

• all microdrip
• 60 drops (gtt)/ml
• total capacity 100-150ml

Question 4

Conversion of body weight

Answer 4

1 lb = 16 oz

2.2 lb = 1kg

Question 5

Calculation of Body Surface Area (BSA)

Answer 5

• determined by comparing weight and height with averages or norms on a graph called a nomogram.
• line up the left side of the ruler on the height and the right side on the weight; read the BSA at the point where the straight edge of the ruler intersects the surface area (SA) column.

Question 6

Metric System

Answer 6

1 mcg = 0.000001 g
1 mg = 1000 mcg or 0.001 g
1g = 1000 mg
1kg = 1000 g
1 L = 1000 ml