Question

Calculate the dosages to be given. Round answers to the nearest tenth as indicated (express answers in milliliters). Order: Clindamycin \(100 \mathrm{mg}\) IV q6h. Available: Clindamycin labeled \(150 \mathrm{mg}\) per \(\mathrm{mL}\)

Short answer

0.7 mL per dose is needed.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Required Dosage

The doctor has ordered Clindamycin at a dosage of 100 mg to be administered intravenously every 6 hours. We need to determine how much volume in milliliters this corresponds to based on the available concentration.

Determine the Available Concentration

The clindamycin is available with a concentration of 150 mg per mL. This means each milliliter of the solution contains 150 mg of clindamycin.

Set Up the Conversion Equation

To find out how many milliliters are needed to administer 100 mg, we set up the equation based on the concentration: \[ \text{mL needed} = \frac{\text{Desired dosage (mg)}}{\text{Concentration (mg/mL)}} \]

Calculate the Volume in Milliliters

Substitute the desired dosage and the concentration into the equation:\[ \text{mL needed} = \frac{100 \text{ mg}}{150 \text{ mg/mL}} \]This simplifies to:\[ \text{mL needed} = \frac{100}{150} = 0.6666\ldots \text{ mL} \]

Round to the Nearest Tenth

Round 0.6666... mL to the nearest tenth. This gives us:\[ 0.7 \text{ mL} \]

Conclude the Calculation

The dosage of Clindamycin to be administered is 0.7 mL per dose to provide the 100 mg ordered by the physician.

Key concepts

Intravenous Medication

Intravenous (IV) medications are administered directly into a patient's vein, allowing for quick absorption and fast-acting effects. This method is particularly used when rapid medication delivery is needed, or when the drug cannot be effectively administered orally.
IV administration ensures that the entire medication dose reaches the bloodstream without alteration, unlike oral medications which can be partially metabolized in the digestive tract.
There are different types of IV medications: continuous infusions, where the medication is given steadily over time, and intermittent infusions, which involve doses given at specific intervals.
Each type and its usage depend on the medication and the patient's needs.

• Precision and accuracy are crucial when calculating IV dosages to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Errors in dosage can lead to ineffective treatment or adverse drug reactions.

Conversion Equations

Conversion equations are essential in dosage calculations, especially when converting between different units of measure. They allow healthcare providers to translate a prescribed dose into an actionable amount to administer.
To perform a conversion, identify the prescribed dose and the available medication concentration.
The basic equation used in these calculations is:

• \[ \text{Volume needed (mL)} = \frac{\text{Desired dose (mg)}}{\text{Available concentration (mg/mL)}} \]

By using this formula, you can ensure that the patient receives the correct amount of medication.
It’s important to set up the equation carefully to avoid calculation errors. Converting between concentrations, weights, and liquid volumes is a common task in healthcare and understanding these equations is vital.

Medical Dosage Rounding

Medical dosage rounding is an important skill in medication administration to ensure precise dosing. While converting dosages, often the initial calculation gives a decimal value, which needs to be rounded appropriately to make the dosage practical for administration.
For example, if the calculation results in a value of 0.6666 mL, it should be rounded to the nearest practicable unit for measurement, which is 0.7 mL.
This makes administering the medication more feasible without compromising on accuracy or patient safety.

• Rounding rules in medical dosage calculations usually follow standard rounding practices, rounding up if the following digit is 5 or more.
• Avoid estimating, as precision in medication dosing is critical.

Clindamycin Administration

Clindamycin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. It is often administered intravenously in a clinical setting for cases where rapid infection control is needed, or when oral administration isn't possible.
In the case of IV Clindamycin, it's essential to ensure that the correct dosage is calculated and administered. This involves measuring the drug accurately based on the physician's order, usually involving calculations to convert drug concentration from available vials into the dose ordered by the doctor.

• When preparing Clindamycin for IV use, strict aseptic techniques must be followed to prevent contamination.
• Monitoring patients during Clindamycin IV administration is crucial to observe any adverse reactions.

Always ensure to confirm patient allergies and compatibility, as Clindamycin can interact with other medications. Administering the exact dosage maintains drug efficacy and patient safety.