Final answer:
The exact dose of a medication for a pediatric client is based on their body mass. Factors like half-life, drug class, and drug-specific characteristics also influence the appropriate dose and time interval between doses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The exact dose of a medication for a pediatric client is based on their body mass. In children, the dose is determined based on their weight, as their body mass affects how drugs are metabolized and eliminated from the body. It's important to consider the patient's mass when determining the appropriate dosage to achieve therapeutic drug levels without causing toxicity.
Factors like half-life, drug class, and drug-specific characteristics also influence the appropriate dose and time interval between doses. The half-life of a drug can vary, which determines how often the medication needs to be administered. Additionally, some drugs are dose-dependent, while others are time-dependent.