Question

Calculate the following dosages using the medication label or information provided. Label answers correctly: tabs, caps, mL. Answers expressed in milliliters should be rounded to the nearest tenth where indicated. . Order: Procaine Penicillin G 600,000 units IM q12h. Available: Procaine Penicillin G 300,000 units per \(\mathrm{mL}\)

Short answer

2 mL

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Requirement

The order is for Procaine Penicillin G 600,000 units to be given intramuscularly (IM) every 12 hours (q12h). We need to determine how many milliliters (mL) of the available solution should be administered to achieve this dosage.

Identify Available Concentration

The medication available is Procaine Penicillin G with a concentration of 300,000 units per mL. This means each milliliter of the solution contains 300,000 units of the drug.

Set Up the Dosage Calculation

To find out how many mL are needed to deliver 600,000 units, use the formula: \( \text{Volume (mL)} = \frac{\text{Ordered Dose (units)}}{\text{Concentration (units per mL)}} \). Substitute the known values: \[ \text{Volume (mL)} = \frac{600,000 \, \text{units}}{300,000 \, \text{units/mL}} \].

Perform the Calculation

Calculate the required volume: \[ \text{Volume (mL)} = \frac{600,000}{300,000} = 2 \, \text{mL} \].

Round and Label the Answer

In this case, the calculation results in an exact number, 2, so no rounding is needed. The answer should be labeled with the appropriate unit, which is mL.

Key concepts

Medication Administration

Medication administration is a critical task in healthcare, requiring precision and attention to detail. It involves delivering medications to patients in the correct dose and method as prescribed by a healthcare provider. The goal is to achieve the desired therapeutic effect while minimizing side effects or complications.

Before administering any medication, it is essential to confirm the doctor's order, which includes the type of medication, dosage, and timing. For Procaine Penicillin G, as per the original exercise, the order is for 600,000 units to be given intramuscularly (IM) every 12 hours. This means very specific dosing instructions must be followed.

Healthcare providers must also consider the "Five Rights" of medication administration: the right patient, the right medication, the right dose, the right route, and the right time. Ensuring these factors helps reduce the risk of medication errors and ensures patient safety.

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion plays a significant role in dosage calculations, especially in cases where medication is provided in different concentrations or measurements than what is prescribed.

In the exercise, the available Procaine Penicillin G is in a concentration of 300,000 units per mL. Understanding this concentration helps determine how much of the solution is needed to meet the ordered dose.

When dealing with units, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of how to convert between them accurately. For example, converting units of medication per milliliter into the dose required allows healthcare providers to measure the correct liquid volume to administer.

Equipping oneself with strong conversion skills prevents miscalculations, which might lead to underdosing or overdosing, both of which can be harmful.

Volume Measurement

Volume measurement is an everyday practice in medication administration, especially for liquid medications delivered through injections.

In our example, we calculated the volume required to administer 600,000 units of Procaine Penicillin G. By using the formula: \[ \text{Volume (mL)} = \frac{\text{Ordered Dose (units)}}{\text{Concentration (units per mL)}} \]we found that 2 mL of the medication is needed.

Precise measurement is crucial. Even a small error in volume measurement can lead to ineffective treatment or adverse effects. Using calibrated tools, like syringes with clear measurement markers, can help ensure accuracy.

Furthermore, it is always vital to double-check calculations and measurements, thereby ensuring the administered volume aligns with the prescribed dosage.

Intramuscular Injection

Intramuscular (IM) injection is a popular method for delivering medications like Procaine Penicillin G directly into the muscle tissue. This technique allows medicine to be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream due to the muscle's rich blood supply.

Administering an IM injection requires specific skills and knowledge to avoid complications such as pain, infection, or injury. It involves selecting the proper site, which is usually the deltoid or vastus lateralis muscle, and using the appropriate needle size and length.

The procedure generally includes cleaning the site with alcohol, inserting the needle at a 90-degree angle, and using a smooth and steady technique to deliver the medication. Proper technique also involves monitoring for immediate adverse reactions and providing appropriate aftercare to the patient.

Understanding these steps ensures the safety and comfort of the patient while maximizing the therapeutic effects of the medication.