Question
A 4-year-old baby weighing 45 pounds received an intravenous infusion of 250 milliliters containing a large amount of sodium chloride and other medications. The baby has been on continuous infusion for 5 days, using 350 milliliters of sodium chloride each day. The parent is worried about whether the dosage is too high and how to handle it?
Answer
The dosage of medication is typically calculated based on the baby’s weight, and the current dose should be within the safe range. However, due to the baby’s weak constitution, it is recommended to reduce the dosage appropriately. It is suggested to avoid using sodium chloride during infusion and opt for glucose instead, as excessive sodium chloride may increase the heart’s workload. The baby’s body is still weak, and long-term use of medication is not beneficial to health. It is advisable to consume more nutritious substances and, as much as possible, adopt physical therapy to treat the illness.