A 6.8 kg child needs acetaminophen. Dose range 10-15 mg/kg per dose every 4-6 hours; max 5 doses in 24 hours. What is the per-dose range in mg?

• A. 68 mg to 102 mg per dose.
• B. 34 mg to 51 mg per dose.
• C. 136 mg to 204 mg per dose.
• D. 6.8 mg to 10.2 mg per dose.

Answer: (A)

Dosing acetaminophen in children is weight-based, so you convert mg per kg to a per-dose amount by multiplying the child’s weight by the lower and upper mg/kg per dose.

For a 6.8 kg child:

• Lower end: 6.8 kg × 10 mg/kg = 68 mg per dose

• Upper end: 6.8 kg × 15 mg/kg = 102 mg per dose

Therefore, the per-dose range is 68 mg to 102 mg per dose. The limit of 5 doses in 24 hours concerns total daily amount and does not change the per-dose calculation (it would cap daily intake, e.g., up to 5 × 68–102 mg depending on dosing times).