The physician orders an injection of dexamethasone (Decadron) 6mg IM for a patient.
The available stock is dexamethasone 4mg/1ml in a 5ml multidose vial.
How many mLs of this medication will the nurse prepare?
75 mLs
5 mLs
6 mLs
15 mLs
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is Choice C.
Let’s go through the calculation step by step:
Step 1: Identify the order and the available medication. The order is for dexamethasone (Decadron) 6mg IM. The available stock is dexamethasone 4mg/1ml in a 5ml multidose vial.
Step 2: Determine the amount of medication needed to fulfill the order. This is done by dividing the ordered amount by the concentration of the available medication.
So, we have:
Step 2 Calculation=Concentration of Available MedicationOrdered Amount Substituting the given values: Step 2 Calculation=4 mg/mL6 mg Step 3: Perform the calculation.
Step 3 Calculation=1.5 mL
So, the nurse will prepare 1.5 mL of this medication.
Now, let’s discuss the rationales for each choice:
Choice A rationale:
75 mLs is not the correct amount. This would be a significantly larger dose than ordered, which could lead to an overdose.
Choice B rationale:
5 mLs is not the correct amount. This would also be a larger dose than ordered, which could lead to an overdose.
Choice C rationale:
1.5 mLs is the correct amount. This is calculated by dividing the ordered dose (6 mg) by the concentration of the available medication (4 mg/mL).
Choice D rationale:
15 mLs is not the correct amount. This would be a significantly larger dose than ordered, which could lead to an overdose.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["2"]
Explanation
Let’s solve the medication math problem step by step:
Step 1: Identify the total daily dose of amoxicillin. The total daily dose is 2 gm/day.
Step 2: Convert the total daily dose from grams to milligrams, as the available medication is in milligrams. We know that 1 gm = 1000 mg, so 2 gm = 2000 mg.
Step 3: The total daily dose is divided into two doses. So, each dose will be 2000 mg ÷ 2 = 1000 mg.
Step 4: Determine the number of tablets for each dose. Each tablet contains 500 mg of amoxicillin. So, the number of tablets for each dose is 1000 mg ÷ 500 mg/tablet = 2 tablets.
So, the nurse should administer 2 tablets of amoxicillin with each dose.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering the medications using a 3-mL medication syringe is not the best practice. While it is possible to use a 3-mL syringe for medication administration, it is not the most efficient or safest method. A larger syringe allows for easier administration and reduces the risk of creating too much pressure which could potentially damage the PEG tube.
Choice B rationale:
Applying firm pressure on the syringe’s piston to infuse the medication is not recommended. This can create too much pressure in the PEG tube and could potentially cause damage. It is generally advised to allow the medication to flow into the tube via gravity. Choice C rationale:
Flushing the tubing with 30 mL of saline after the medication has been given is the correct technique. This helps to ensure that all of the medication has been administered and also helps to keep the tube clear of any potential blockages.
Choice D rationale:
Using the barrel of the syringe, allowing the medication to flow via gravity into the tube is a common practice. However, it is not the only step in the process. It is also important to flush the tube before and after medication administration to ensure all medication is delivered and to maintain the patency of the tube.
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