A child who weighs 44 pounds with otitis media receives a prescription for azithromycin 10 mg/kg once, then 10 mg/kg daily for 4 days. The medication is available in a solution containing 200 mg/5mL. How many mL should the nurse administer on the first day of the treatment regimen? (Enter numeric value only.)

Here's how to calculate the volume of medication the nurse should administer on the first day: 1. Convert child's weight to kilograms (kg): We know 1 kg = 2.205 pounds. Child weight (kg) = 44 pounds / 2.205 pounds/kg = 20 kg (round to nearest whole number for this calculation). 2. Calculate the total azithromycin medication for the first day (mg): Prescribed dosage (mg/kg): 10 mg/kg Child weight (kg): 20 kg (rounded value from step 1) Total medication on day 1 (mg) = Dosage (mg/kg) x Client weight (kg) Total medication on day 1 (mg) = 10 mg/kg x 20 kg = 200 mg 3. Determine the volume (mL) needed based on the medication concentration: Medication concentration (mg/mL): 200 mg/5 mL (given) Total medication on day 1 (mg): 200 mg (calculated in step 2) Volume to administer (mL) = Total medication (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL) Volume to administer (mL) = 200 mg / 200 mg/5 mL Volume to administer (mL) = 5 mL Therefore, the nurse should administer 5 mL of the azithromycin solution on the first day.