Question

Calculate the dosages below. Use the labels where provided. Calculate to the nearest hundredth where necessary. Order: Ampicillin \(160 \mathrm{mg} \mathrm{IM}\) q \(12 \mathrm{~h}\). Available: Ampicillin \(250 \mathrm{mg}\) per mL

Short answer

Administer 0.64 mL per dose.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Order

The order requires administering Ampicillin at a dosage of \(160 \text{ mg} \) intramuscularly (IM) every 12 hours (q 12 h). This means the patient needs to receive this dose twice a day.

Review the Available Concentration

The available Ampicillin solution has a concentration of \(250 \text{ mg} \) per \(1 \text{ mL}\). This means there are \(250 \text{ mg} \) of Ampicillin in every \(1 \text{ mL}\) of the solution.

Set Up the Ratio for Calculation

To find the volume needed for the 160 mg dose, set up a proportion based on the concentration: \( \frac{250 \text{ mg}}{1 \text{ mL}} = \frac{160 \text{ mg}}{x \text{ mL}} \), where \(x\) is the volume we need to find.

Solve the Proportion

Cross-multiply to solve for \(x\): \[ 250 \cdot x = 160 \cdot 1 \] This simplifies to: \[ 250x = 160 \] Now, divide both sides by 250:\[ x = \frac{160}{250} \] Which simplifies to:\[ x = 0.64 \]

Final Calculation and Answer

The calculated volume that should be administered is \(0.64 \text{ mL}\) to provide a 160 mg dose of Ampicillin.

Key concepts

Pharmacology Education

Pharmacology education provides essential knowledge for healthcare professionals to accurately and safely administer medications. Understanding drug functions, interactions, and appropriate dosages is key.
In dosage calculations, it is crucial to comprehend both the medicinal effects and proper measurement techniques. This knowledge ensures that the right amount of a drug is given, minimizing potential side effects or inefficiencies.
Important aspects of pharmacology education include:

• Drug interactions: Learning how different medications interact with each other is vital to prevent adverse effects.
• Dosage calculations: Mastery of different mathematical techniques ensures accurate measurement and delivery of medications.
• Routes of administration: Understanding different methods, such as oral, intravenous, or intramuscular, and their implications.
• Monitoring effects: Knowing how to observe and interpret the effects of medications on patients.

By grasping these concepts, healthcare students and professionals can effectively ensure patient safety and successful pharmacological treatments.

Intramuscular Injection

An intramuscular (IM) injection is a method of delivering medication deep into the muscles, allowing the medication to be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. This technique is commonly used for various types of medications, including antibiotics like Ampicillin.

Intramuscular injections are often preferred when:

• Need for rapid absorption: Muscle tissue has an efficient blood supply, facilitating quick absorption.
• Large dosages: Larger doses can be administered compared to subcutaneous injections, which go under the skin.
• Patient compliance: IM injections are beneficial in cases where oral medication might not be viable.

When performing an IM injection, it is crucial to choose the appropriate muscle site—such as the deltoid, vastus lateralis, or ventrogluteal site. Proper technique ensures effectiveness and reduces discomfort for the patient.

Proportion Method

The proportion method is a reliable mathematical approach used in pharmacology to calculate the dosage required for medication administration. This technique involves setting up a ratio between known and required values to find an unknown quantity.

Here's how the proportion method works:

• Identify known values: Start with the concentration of medication available and the desired dosage.
• Set up the equation: Create a proportion that relates the known values to the unknown quantity. In this exercise, the setup is \( \frac{250 \text{ mg}}{1 \text{ mL}} = \frac{160 \text{ mg}}{x \text{ mL}} \).
• Cross-multiply: Solve for the unknown by multiplying across the equals sign.
• Solve for the unknown: This will give you the volume needed for administration (\( x = 0.64 \text{ mL} \)).

Utilizing this method helps avoid errors and ensures precise calculations, which is essential in healthcare settings.

Medication Preparation

Medication preparation is a vital process in healthcare, involving the correct mixing, measuring, and handling of pharmaceutical drugs. Accurate preparation ensures patients receive the medicine in its intended form and dosage.

Key steps in medication preparation include:

• Verification: Confirm the correct drug and dosage according to the prescription.
• Measuring: Using precise tools, measure the exact amount required. For example, if the prescription requires 160 mg, the calculation determined that 0.64 mL of the available solution is needed.
• Administration readiness: Ensure the drug is in the correct form for delivery, especially for methods like intramuscular injection.

Accurate medication preparation is crucial not only for efficacy but also for preventing potential medication errors, thus safeguarding patient health and improving treatment outcomes.