A nurse is preparing to administer vitamin K 1 mg IM to a newborn. Available is vitamin K injection 1 mg/0.5 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer per dose?
A.
Choice A: 0.25 mL
B.
Choice B: 0.5 mL
C.
Choice C: 0.75 mL
D.
Choice D: 1 mL
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. 0.5 mL.
Explanation:
To determine the correct amount to administer, the nurse needs to calculate the dose based on the available concentration of the medication. Here’s the breakdown of how to approach this:
- Ordered dose: The provider has prescribed 1 mg of vitamin K to be given to the newborn.
- Available concentration: The medication available is vitamin K injection at a concentration of 1 mg/0.5 mL, meaning that each 0.5 mL of the solution contains 1 mg of vitamin K.
- Dosage calculation:
The formula to calculate how much to administer is: [
\text{Dose to administer (mL)} = \left(\frac{\text{Prescribed dose (mg)}}{\text{Available concentration (mg/mL)}}\right)
] Plugging in the values: [
\text{Dose to administer} = \left(\frac{1 \text{ mg}}{1 \text{ mg/0.5 mL}}\right) = 0.5 \text{ mL}
]
This means the nurse should administer 0.5 mL to deliver the ordered dose of 1 mg of vitamin K.
Rationale for Using Vitamin K in Newborns:
Vitamin K is routinely administered to newborns shortly after birth to prevent Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB), previously known as hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Newborns are naturally deficient in vitamin K due to limited placental transfer, a sterile gut (hence no gut flora to synthesize vitamin K), and low vitamin K content in breast milk. This deficiency can lead to serious bleeding issues if not corrected.
By administering vitamin K intramuscularly, the newborn’s risk of bleeding complications, particularly brain hemorrhages and gastrointestinal bleeds, is significantly reduced.
Conclusion:
By following the dosage calculation formula, the nurse will administer 0.5 mL of vitamin K to ensure the newborn receives the full prescribed dose of 1 mg.