A medication is ordered at 12 mg/kg/day for a 10 kg patient, divided into 4 equal doses. How many milligrams should be given per dose?

A medication is ordered at 12 mg/kg/day for a 10 kg patient, divided into 4 equal doses. How many milligrams should be given per dose?

• A. 25 mg
• B. 30 mg
• C. 35 mg
• D. 40 mg

Answer: (B)

Start with converting the order to a total daily dose. Multiply the dose per kilogram per day by the patient’s weight: 12 mg/kg/day × 10 kg = 120 mg per day. Then divide that daily amount into the four equal doses: 120 mg ÷ 4 = 30 mg per dose. So, each administration should be 30 mg. This approach—calculate total daily dose first, then split into the number of doses per day—works for any weight-based regimen.

Start with converting the order to a total daily dose. Multiply the dose per kilogram per day by the patient’s weight: 12 mg/kg/day × 10 kg = 120 mg per day. Then divide that daily amount into the four equal doses: 120 mg ÷ 4 = 30 mg per dose. So, each administration should be 30 mg.

This approach—calculate total daily dose first, then split into the number of doses per day—works for any weight-based regimen.