What is the maximum single dose of Ketorolac for pediatric patients?

What is the maximum single dose of Ketorolac for pediatric patients?

• A. 15 mg
• B. 10 mg
• C. 20 mg
• D. 25 mg

Answer: (A)

In pediatric analgesia, doses are given by weight but are capped per administration to protect safety. Ketorolac is a strong NSAID with risks such as kidney irritation and GI/bleeding issues, so the dose per single administration is limited. The standard per-dose guideline is 0.5 mg/kg, but you must not exceed 15 mg in one dose. This means lighter children get exactly their weight-based amount up to the 15 mg cap, while larger children cannot exceed 15 mg per dose even if weight-based calculations would suggest more. For example, a 20 kg child would receive about 10 mg per dose (0.5 mg/kg × 20 kg), whereas a 40 kg child would be scheduled for 20 mg by weight, but the maximum per dose remains 15 mg. The 15 mg per-dose limit is the key reason this option is the correct choice.

In pediatric analgesia, doses are given by weight but are capped per administration to protect safety. Ketorolac is a strong NSAID with risks such as kidney irritation and GI/bleeding issues, so the dose per single administration is limited. The standard per-dose guideline is 0.5 mg/kg, but you must not exceed 15 mg in one dose. This means lighter children get exactly their weight-based amount up to the 15 mg cap, while larger children cannot exceed 15 mg per dose even if weight-based calculations would suggest more. For example, a 20 kg child would receive about 10 mg per dose (0.5 mg/kg × 20 kg), whereas a 40 kg child would be scheduled for 20 mg by weight, but the maximum per dose remains 15 mg. The 15 mg per-dose limit is the key reason this option is the correct choice.