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Nurse Dive Free Nursing Practice Question
A physician orders 250 mg of a medication. The available dosage strength is 500 mg per 2 mL. Using the formula method, how much should the nurse administer?
A. 1 mL
Calculation using the Formula Method Desired Dose (D): 250 mg Dose on Hand (H): 500 mg Quantity (Q): 2 mL The formula method is: Amount to Administer = (Desired (D) / Have (H)) x Quantity (Q) = (250 mg / 500 mg) x 2 mL = 0.5 x 2 mL = 1 mL
B. 0.5 mL
Calculation using the Formula Method Desired Dose (D): 250 mg Dose on Hand (H): 500 mg Quantity (Q): 2 mL The formula method is: Amount to Administer = (Desired (D) / Have (H)) x Quantity (Q) = (250 mg / 500 mg) x 2 mL = 0.5 x 2 mL = 1 mL
C. 1.5 mL
Calculation using the Formula Method Desired Dose (D): 250 mg Dose on Hand (H): 500 mg Quantity (Q): 2 mL The formula method is: Amount to Administer = (Desired (D) / Have (H)) x Quantity (Q) = (250 mg / 500 mg) x 2 mL = 0.5 x 2 mL = 1 mL
D. 2 mL
Calculation using the Formula Method Desired Dose (D): 250 mg Dose on Hand (H): 500 mg Quantity (Q): 2 mL The formula method is: Amount to Administer = (Desired (D) / Have (H)) x Quantity (Q) = (250 mg / 500 mg) x 2 mL = 0.5 x 2 mL = 1 mL
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Full Explanation
Calculation using the Formula Method
Desired Dose (D): 250 mg
Dose on Hand (H): 500 mg
Quantity (Q): 2 mL
The formula method is:
Amount to Administer = (Desired (D) / Have (H)) x Quantity (Q)
= (250 mg / 500 mg) x 2 mL
= 0.5 x 2 mL
= 1 mL
Similar Questions
Which of the following represents the 'H' in the formula method?
A. The total amount of medication required
The total amount of medication required: This represents the desired dose (D) in the formula, not 'H'. It is the amount the provider has prescribed for the patient.
B. The dosage strength available.
The dosage strength available: 'H' stands for the dosage strength available, such as milligrams per tablet or milliliters per vial. Knowing this allows the nurse to calculate how many units of the drug form to administer to meet the prescribed dose.
C. The frequency of administration
The frequency of administration: Frequency refers to how often a medication is given, which is not part of the D/H × Q calculation for a single dose.
D. The patient's weight in kilograms
The patient's weight in kilograms: Weight may be used to calculate a weight-based dose, but it is not represented by 'H'; it may be used in determining 'D' for pediatric or weight-dependent dosing.
Full Explanation
Rationale:
A. The total amount of medication required: This represents the desired dose (D) in the formula, not 'H'. It is the amount the provider has prescribed for the patient.
B. The dosage strength available: 'H' stands for the dosage strength available, such as milligrams per tablet or milliliters per vial. Knowing this allows the nurse to calculate how many units of the drug form to administer to meet the prescribed dose.
C. The frequency of administration: Frequency refers to how often a medication is given, which is not part of the D/H × Q calculation for a single dose.
D. The patient's weight in kilograms: Weight may be used to calculate a weight-based dose, but it is not represented by 'H'; it may be used in determining 'D' for pediatric or weight-dependent dosing.
When setting up a dimensional analysis equation, why is it important to align units diagonally?
A. To increase the speed of calculation
To increase the speed of calculation: Aligning units diagonally does not inherently speed up the calculation; the main purpose is to ensure proper unit conversion and accuracy.
B. To cancel out units and simplify the calculation
To cancel out units and simplify the calculation: Aligning units diagonally allows units that appear in both the numerator and denominator to cancel out correctly. This ensures the final answer is in the desired unit and reduces the risk of dosing errors.
C. To ensure the equation is balanced
To ensure the equation is balanced: While correct unit alignment contributes to a mathematically correct setup, “balancing” is not the primary reason; the focus is on unit cancellation.
D. To make the equation Easier to read
To make the equation easier to read: Although diagonal alignment can improve readability, the critical purpose is accurate conversion and calculation through proper cancellation of units.
Full Explanation
Rationale:
A. To increase the speed of calculation: Aligning units diagonally does not inherently speed up the calculation; the main purpose is to ensure proper unit conversion and accuracy.
B. To cancel out units and simplify the calculation: Aligning units diagonally allows units that appear in both the numerator and denominator to cancel out correctly. This ensures the final answer is in the desired unit and reduces the risk of dosing errors.
C. To ensure the equation is balanced: While correct unit alignment contributes to a mathematically correct setup, “balancing” is not the primary reason; the focus is on unit cancellation.
D. To make the equation easier to read: Although diagonal alignment can improve readability, the critical purpose is accurate conversion and calculation through proper cancellation of units.
A nurse is administering an oral medication to a patient with dysphagia. What is the most appropriate action to ensure safe administration?
A. Assess the patient's ability to swallow before administration.
Assess the patient's ability to swallow before administration: Evaluating the patient’s swallowing ability is the first and most important step to prevent choking, aspiration, or medication errors. This assessment guides whether modifications to the route or form are necessary.
B. Change the route to intravenous administration without consulting the provider.
Change the route to intravenous administration without consulting the provider: Altering the route without provider approval can be unsafe and may lead to incorrect dosing or adverse effects. Route changes require an order and clinical judgment.
C. Crush the medication and mix it with water or applesauce.
Crush the medication and mix it with water or applesauce: Crushing may be appropriate for some medications, but not all (e.g., extended-release or enteric-coated forms). This action should only be taken after assessing swallowing ability and verifying the medication can safely be altered.
D. Administer the medication with a large glass of juice to ensure it is swallowed.
Administer the medication with a large glass of juice to ensure it is swallowed: Simply giving fluids does not address dysphagia risk and may not prevent aspiration. Proper assessment and potentially alternative administration strategies are needed for safety.
Full Explanation
Rationale:
A. Assess the patient's ability to swallow before administration: Evaluating the patient’s swallowing ability is the first and most important step to prevent choking, aspiration, or medication errors. This assessment guides whether modifications to the route or form are necessary.
B. Change the route to intravenous administration without consulting the provider: Altering the route without provider approval can be unsafe and may lead to incorrect dosing or adverse effects. Route changes require an order and clinical judgment.
C. Crush the medication and mix it with water or applesauce: Crushing may be appropriate for some medications, but not all (e.g., extended-release or enteric-coated forms). This action should only be taken after assessing swallowing ability and verifying the medication can safely be altered.
D. Administer the medication with a large glass of juice to ensure it is swallowed: Simply giving fluids does not address dysphagia risk and may not prevent aspiration. Proper assessment and potentially alternative administration strategies are needed for safety.