A nurse is preparing to administer amoxicillin 100 mg PO every 8 hr to a toddler who weighs 20 kg. The recommended dosage range is 20 to 25 mg/kg/day. Which of the following actions by the nurse is appropriate?

Rationale: A. The nurse determines the prescription is above the recommended dosage range and notifies the provider is incorrect because the prescribed dose is below, not above, the recommended range. B. The nurse determines the prescription is below the recommended dosage and notifies the provider is correct because the prescription is subtherapeutic. Administering a dose below the recommended range could result in ineffective treatment and potential antibiotic resistance. The nurse should clarify the dosage with the provider before administration. Step 1: Calculate the recommended total daily dose. Recommended range: 20–25 mg/kg/day Weight: 20 kg Minimum daily dose: 20 mg × 20 kg = 400 mg/day Maximum daily dose: 25 mg × 20 kg = 500 mg/day Step 2: Calculate the prescribed total daily dose. Prescription: 100 mg every 8 hr = 3 doses/day Total daily dose: 100 mg × 3 = 300 mg/day Step 3: Compare prescribed dose to recommended range. 300 mg/day is below the recommended range of 400–500 mg/day. C. The nurse contacts the pharmacist to adjust the prescribed dosage is incorrect because the nurse’s role is to verify and clarify orders with the prescribing provider, not to independently adjust a prescription. D. The nurse administers the prescribed dosage is incorrect because giving a subtherapeutic dose could fail to treat the infection effectively. Verification with the provider is required before administration.