A nurse is preparing to administer dexamethasone 0.5 mg/kg/day IM to divide equally every 6 hr to a client who weighs 132 lb. Available is dexamethasone 4 mg/mL. How many mL should the nurse administer per dose? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)
The Correct Answer is ["1.9"]
To calculate the dose of dexamethasone, we need to convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms. One pound is equal to 0.454 kg, so 132 lb is equal to 132 x 0.454 = 59.928 kg. The prescribed dose is 0.5 mg/kg/day, so the daily dose is 0.5 x 59.928 = 29.964 mg. This dose is divided equally every 6 hours, so the dose per administration is 29.964 / 4 = 7.491 mg. The concentration of the drug is 4 mg/mL, so the volume per administration is 7.491 / 4 = 1.873 mL. Rounded to the nearest tenth, the nurse should administer 1.9 mL per dose.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["20"]
Explanation
To calculate the volume of medication to administer, use the formula: (desired dose / available dose) x available volume. Plug in the values: (25 mg / 6.25 mg) x 5 mL = 20 mL. Round to the nearest whole number: 20 mL.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The medication is for IV administration: This cannot be assumed unless the label specifically states “for intravenous use.” Phenytoin comes in multiple formulations (oral suspension, tablets, IV), so route must be verified.
B. The total amount available per container is 4 mL: This is label-specific information. If the label indicates that each vial contains 4 mL, this is a factual and critical point to ensure accurate dosing.
C. The nurse should avoid shaking the medication: While some medications (e.g., suspensions) should not be shaken vigorously, phenytoin IV solution is not a suspension, and this instruction may not apply to all forms.
D. The medication should not be stored below 30°C (86°F): This is incorrect. Phenytoin should be stored at controlled room temperature, typically 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), and protected from excessive heat or cold.
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