A nurse is preparing to administer perphenazine 200 mg divided into four equal doses daily to a client who has psychosis. Available is perphenazine oral solution16 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 trailing zeros.)
The correct answer and Explanation is :
To determine the amount of perphenazine oral solution to administer per dose, follow these steps:
- Calculate the total daily dosage:
The total daily dosage of perphenazine is 200 mg, which is to be divided into four equal doses. [
\text{Dose per administration} = \frac{\text{Total daily dosage}}{\text{Number of doses per day}} = \frac{200 \text{ mg}}{4} = 50 \text{ mg}
] Therefore, each dose should be 50 mg. - Determine the volume of oral solution required per dose:
The available perphenazine oral solution is 16 mg/mL. To find out how many mL are needed to get 50 mg, use the formula: [
\text{Volume} = \frac{\text{Dose}}{\text{Concentration}} = \frac{50 \text{ mg}}{16 \text{ mg/mL}}
] Perform the division: [
\text{Volume} = 3.125 \text{ mL}
] Rounding 3.125 to the nearest tenth, we get 3.1 mL.
Explanation:
Perphenazine is administered to manage psychosis, and the correct dosage is crucial for effective treatment while minimizing side effects. The medication is available as a 16 mg/mL oral solution, which means each milliliter contains 16 mg of perphenazine. To administer 50 mg per dose, you need to determine how much of the solution corresponds to that dosage.
By dividing the desired dose (50 mg) by the concentration of the solution (16 mg/mL), you calculate the volume of solution needed per dose. This volume, calculated as 3.125 mL, is rounded to the nearest tenth to provide a practical amount to administer, which is 3.1 mL.
Rounding ensures that the medication administration is accurate and manageable in a clinical setting, where precise measurements are essential for patient safety and treatment efficacy.