Order: Metoprolol 2.5mg IV push
On hand: 1mg/mL vials
How many millilitres will the nurse draw up for this dose?
The correct answer and Explanation is :
To administer a dose of 2.5 mg of Metoprolol via IV push when the available concentration is 1 mg/mL, you need to determine how many milliliters (mL) of the solution will be required.
Calculation:
- Determine the required dose: The order is for 2.5 mg of Metoprolol.
- Identify the concentration on hand: The concentration is 1 mg/mL.
- Calculate the volume to administer:
- Given that the concentration is 1 mg/mL, it means each milliliter of solution contains 1 mg of Metoprolol.
- To find out how many milliliters you need to draw up to get 2.5 mg, use the formula: [
\text{Volume (mL)} = \frac{\text{Dose (mg)}}{\text{Concentration (mg/mL)}}
] - Plugging in the values: [
\text{Volume (mL)} = \frac{2.5 \text{ mg}}{1 \text{ mg/mL}} = 2.5 \text{ mL}
]
So, you will need to draw up 2.5 milliliters of the solution to administer a dose of 2.5 mg of Metoprolol.
Explanation:
In medication administration, precise calculations are crucial to ensure the patient receives the correct dose. Metoprolol, a beta-blocker used for various cardiovascular conditions, is often administered intravenously in acute settings. The concentration of the drug on hand determines how much solution is needed to achieve the desired dose.
Here, the concentration is straightforward: 1 mg of drug per milliliter of solution. Therefore, to administer 2.5 mg, you simply need to draw up an equivalent volume in milliliters. This ensures that the patient receives the exact amount prescribed. Accurate measurement helps prevent potential overdose or underdose, which is critical for maintaining therapeutic effectiveness and patient safety.