A patient with neuroleptic malignant syndrome has been prescribed dantrolene 1.5 mg/kg IV. The patient weighs 132 pounds.
The label on the 250 mg vial reads, “Reconstitute with 5 mL sterile water for injection, USP. Reconstitution yields 50 mg/mL.”. How many mL should the nurse administer?
The Correct Answer is ["1.80"]
Step 1 is to convert the patient’s weight from pounds to kilograms since the dosage is prescribed in mg/kg. We know that 1 kg is approximately 2.20462 pounds. So, the patient’s weight in kilograms is 132 pounds ÷ 2.20462 = 59.87 kg.
Step 2 is to calculate the total dosage of dantrolene needed. The prescribed dosage is 1.5 mg/kg. So, the total dosage is 1.5 mg/kg × 59.87 kg = 89.81 mg.
Step 3 is to calculate the volume of reconstituted dantrolene solution needed to provide the total dosage. The reconstituted solution has a concentration of 50 mg/mL. So, the volume needed is 89.81 mg ÷ 50 mg/mL = 1.80 mL.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is important in assessing overall physical health and detecting any potential neuromuscular disorders. However, in the context of a client with a history of heart failure and elevated potassium levels, this would not be the most critical intervention. High potassium levels can lead to hyperkalemia, which can cause serious heart rhythm disturbances.
Choice B rationale
Observing the color and amount of urine can provide valuable information about the client’s hydration status and kidney function. In the case of heart failure, monitoring urine output can help assess the effectiveness of diuretic therapy and the progression of the disease. However, it is not the most immediate concern given the client’s high potassium levels.
Choice C rationale
Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention in this scenario. A serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is higher than the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and can cause life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing the client’s heart rhythm to detect any abnormalities caused by this electrolyte imbalance.
Choice D rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes can help identify changes in neuromuscular function and is often used in neurological assessments. However, it is not the most critical intervention in the context of elevated potassium levels and heart failure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Initiating a hearing and vision screening program for first graders is an example of secondary prevention. Secondary prevention aims to identify and treat an illness or disease at an early stage, which is exactly what a screening program does.
Choice B rationale
Observing a person with type I diabetes mellitus self-administer a dose of insulin is not an example of secondary prevention. This is more related to disease management, which falls under tertiary prevention.
Choice C rationale
Preparing a presentation on how to prevent the spread of lice is an example of primary prevention, which aims to prevent disease or injury before it ever occurs.
Choice D rationale
Collaborating with a science teacher to prepare a health lesson could be seen as primary prevention if the lesson is about preventing disease, or tertiary prevention if it’s about managing existing conditions.
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