To determine proper drug dosages for children, calculations are most p

To determine proper drug dosages for children, calculations are most precisely made on the basis of the child’s:

1. Weight
2. Height
3. Age
4. Body surface area

ANSWER

ANS: 4
The most accurate method of calculating pediatric doses is based on a child’s body surface area.
Drug calculations are not most precise when made on the basis of a child’s weight. Height and weight do not always correlate with the maturity of the child’s organs, such as the liver for me-tabolizing a drug. Drug calculations are not most precise when made on the basis of a child’s height. Drug calculations are not most precise when made on the basis of a child’s age. Children vary widely in size and maturity for chronological age.