Calculate the following dosage using the ratio and proportion method. Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Order: Heparin 17,000 units sub-cut daily
Available: Heparin labeled 20,000 units per mL
A. 10ml
B. 0.5ml
C. 2.5 ml
D. 0.9 ml
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To determine the dosage of Heparin needed based on the provided information, we will use the ratio and proportion method. Here is the step-by-step process:
Given Information:
- Order: Heparin 17,000 units subcutaneously daily
- Available: Heparin labeled 20,000 units per mL
Goal:
Find out how many milliliters (mL) of the Heparin solution is required to administer 17,000 units.
Steps to Calculate the Dosage:
- Set up the Proportion:
We need to determine how many mL of Heparin will give us 17,000 units, given that 1 mL of Heparin contains 20,000 units. Let ( x ) be the number of mL required. We can set up the proportion as follows:
[
\frac{20,000 \text{ units}}{1 \text{ mL}} = \frac{17,000 \text{ units}}{x \text{ mL}}
] - Solve for ( x ):
Cross-multiply to solve for ( x ):
[
20,000 \text{ units} \times x \text{ mL} = 17,000 \text{ units} \times 1 \text{ mL}
] [
20,000x = 17,000
] [
x = \frac{17,000}{20,000}
] [
x = 0.85 \text{ mL}
] - Round the Answer:
Round 0.85 mL to the nearest tenth. This is 0.9 mL.
Conclusion:
The correct dosage to administer 17,000 units of Heparin when the available concentration is 20,000 units per mL is 0.9 mL.
Explanation:
To ensure accurate dosing, it’s essential to calculate how much of the available solution is needed to meet the prescribed dose. By setting up a proportion, we compare the concentration of the available Heparin solution to the required dose. This method helps in finding the volume needed by maintaining the same units on both sides of the equation, ensuring proper conversion and accurate administration. Rounding to the nearest tenth ensures that the measurement is practical and easy to administer.