For the 6.8 kg child, what is the maximum number of acetaminophen doses allowed in 24 hours?

• A. 3 doses.
• B. 4 doses.
• C. 5 doses.
• D. 6 doses.

Answer: (C)

Dosing acetaminophen in children is weight-based and capped to prevent liver injury. The typical plan is 10–15 mg per kg per dose, given every 4–6 hours as needed, but you should not exceed five doses in 24 hours. This five-doses-per-day limit keeps the total daily amount within the safe range (about 75 mg/kg/day).

For a 6.8 kg child, five doses at 15 mg/kg per dose would total 510 mg in a day, which aligns with the daily maximum. So the maximum number of acetaminophen doses allowed in 24 hours is five.