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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["1.80"]
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Mixing the dextrose in a 50 mL piggyback for a total volume of 100 mL is not the appropriate method for administering the medication. This would dilute the dextrose, reducing its concentration and potentially making it less effective.
Choice B rationale
Diluting the dextrose in one liter of 0.9% normal saline solution is not the appropriate method for administering the medication. This would significantly dilute the dextrose, reducing its concentration and potentially making it less effective.
Choice C rationale
Requesting the pharmacist to add the dextrose to a total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution is not the appropriate method for administering the medication. While dextrose is often a component of TPN solutions, in this case, the patient requires a concentrated dose of dextrose to treat insulin shock.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Administering the undiluted dextrose slowly through the currently infusing IV is the appropriate method for administering the medication. This allows for the rapid administration of a concentrated dose of glucose, which is necessary to quickly raise the patient’s blood glucose level in the case of insulin shock.
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