Question

A 10-year-old has an order for Demerol (meperidine) \(35 \mathrm{mg}\) IM for pain. The medication is available as Demerol \(50 \mathrm{mg}\) per \(\mathrm{mL}\). How much should the nurse administer? A. \(.5 \mathrm{~mL}\) B. \(.6 \mathrm{~mL}\) C. \(.7 \mathrm{~mL}\) D. \(.8 \mathrm{~mL}\)

Short answer

Answer: C. 0.7 mL

Step-by-step solution

Identify the dosage and available solution

The 10-year-old needs 35 mg of Demerol(IM), and available medicine is ne, peridine 50 mg/ml.

Set up the equation

We want to find out how many mL should the nurse administer. So let's say it's x mL. To find x, we will use the proportionality formula as follows: "Required Amount (mg)" / "Available Concentration (mg/mL)" = "Ml to administer" / "1 mL" In this case, 35 mg / 50 mg/mL = x mL / 1 mL

Solve for x

Solve the equation for x: 35 mg / 50 mg/mL = x mL / 1 mL By cross-multiplying and simplifying the equation, we get: 35 mg * 1 mL = 50 mg/mL * x mL Now, divide both sides by (50 mg/mL) to isolate x: x = (35 mg * 1 mL) / (50 mg/mL)

Calculate the value of x

Calculate the value of x using the given values: x = (35 mg * 1 mL) / (50 mg/mL) x = 35/50 mL x = 0.7 mL

Select the correct option

Based on the calculated value of x, we find that the nurse should administer 0.7 mL of Demerol. Hence, the correct answer is: C. 0.7 mL

Key concepts

Nursing Dosage Calculation

Nursing dosage calculation is a fundamental skill for all nurses to ensure patient safety and effective treatment. It involves determining the correct amount of medication required based on the doctor's prescription and the concentration of the drug available.

To perform dosage calculations, nurses need to be familiar with basic math operations and proportional relationships. In our exercise, for example, we used a proportion to determine how much medication to administer. The key steps include:

• Identifying the dosage ordered: The amount prescribed by the doctor (e.g., 35 mg in our exercise).
• Knowing the available concentration or strength of the medication: This usually refers to how much medicine is contained per unit volume (e.g., 50 mg/mL).
• Setting up a proportion equation to solve for the unknown quantity to administer (e.g., x mL).
• Solving the algebraic equation to find the exact dose to give.

Each step requires careful attention to units and conversions if necessary, ensuring that the final answer is both correct and practical for administration.

Intramuscular Injections

Intramuscular injections (IM) are one method of administering medications in which the drug is delivered into the muscle. Muscles can absorb more medication and at a quicker pace than subcutaneous routes, highlighting why IM injections are a preferred method for delivering some medications.

When preparing for an intramuscular injection, nurses need to ensure they're using the appropriate technique to reduce discomfort and avoid complications. Here are some key considerations:

• Choose the correct site for injection, common sites include the deltoid muscle (upper arm), the vastus lateralis muscle (thigh), and the ventrogluteal muscle (hip).
• Utilize proper aseptic technique to minimize the risk of infection.
• Consider the volume of the medication. Large volumes may require a different approach or dilution to prevent muscle discomfort.
• Understand needle size and length which can vary depending on patient age, size, and muscle mass.

This mode of administration ensures that medications like Demerol are absorbed efficiently, providing quick relief or effect when needed.

Pediatric Medication Administration

Administering medications to children involves additional precautions compared to adults due to their distinct physiological differences and developmental stages. Pediatric medication administration requires cautious dosing calculations and sometimes adjusted techniques to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

Here are important considerations when administering medications like Demerol to pediatric patients:

• Age-appropriate dosage calculations: Dosages are often calculated based on weight (mg/kg) rather than age to ensure precise and safe delivery.
• Communication: Explaining the process to the child in an understandable way can alleviate anxiety or fear of the procedure.
• Monitoring: Children often react differently to medications, so close observation post-administration is essential for identifying any adverse reactions or need for further dosing adjustments.
• Medicinal forms and delivery methods: Young children may require liquids or suspensions rather than tablets; being prepared with the correct form is essential.

In our specific task, ensuring the correct dose and understanding the dynamics of pediatric pharmacology is crucial for administering an appropriate and safe dose.