A paramedic is to give 0.01 mg/kg of a drug to a patient who weighs 44 pounds. The drug comes supplied as 1 mg/1 mL. How many milliliters should be administered?

A paramedic is to give 0.01 mg/kg of a drug to a patient who weighs 44 pounds. The drug comes supplied as 1 mg/1 mL. How many milliliters should be administered?

• A. 0.1 mL
• B. 0.2 mL
• C. 0.3 mL
• D. 0.4 mL

Answer: (B)

Calculating dose by weight and converting to volume using concentration. First convert the patient’s weight to kilograms: 44 lb ÷ 2.2046 ≈ 19.96 kg. Multiply by the dose per kilogram: 19.96 kg × 0.01 mg/kg ≈ 0.20 mg needed. With a concentration of 1 mg per 1 mL, 0.20 mg corresponds to 0.20 mL. So administer 0.20 mL.

Calculating dose by weight and converting to volume using concentration. First convert the patient’s weight to kilograms: 44 lb ÷ 2.2046 ≈ 19.96 kg. Multiply by the dose per kilogram: 19.96 kg × 0.01 mg/kg ≈ 0.20 mg needed. With a concentration of 1 mg per 1 mL, 0.20 mg corresponds to 0.20 mL. So administer 0.20 mL.