Free NCLEX RN Practice Questions Practice Question
A child is to receive heparin sodium 5 units per kilogram of body weight by subcutaneous route every 4 hours. The child weighs 52.8 lb. How many units should the child receive in a 24-hour period?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To determine the total units of heparin sodium needed for the child in a 24-hour period, first convert the weight from pounds to kilograms. The child's weight of 52.8 lb is approximately 24 kg (1 lb = 0.4536 kg).
Next, calculate the dose: 5 units/kg × 24 kg = 120 units per dose. Since the medication is administered every 4 hours, there are 6 doses in 24 hours (24 hours ÷ 4 hours/dose).
Finally, multiply the dose by the number of doses: 120 units/dose × 6 doses = 720 units.
Option A (300) is too low, as it does not account for the child's weight. Option B (480) underestimates the total doses given. Option D (960) overestimates the units calculated based on the weight and dosing schedule.
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