A nurse is preparing to administer benztropine 2 mg IM every 12 hr to a client who is experiencing an extrapyramidal reaction. Available is benztropine 1 mg/mL for injection. How many ml should the nurse administer per dose? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
To determine the correct volume of benztropine to administer, we start with the prescribed dose and the available concentration.
Step 1: Identify the prescribed dose and available concentration.
- Prescribed dose: 2 mg
- Available concentration: 1 mg/mL
Step 2: Calculate the required volume to administer the prescribed dose. To find out how many mL of the medication to give, use the formula:Volume to administer (mL)=Prescribed dose (mg)Available concentration (mg/mL)\text{Volume to administer (mL)} = \frac{\text{Prescribed dose (mg)}}{\text{Available concentration (mg/mL)}}Volume to administer (mL)=Available concentration (mg/mL)Prescribed dose (mg)
Substituting in the values:Volume to administer (mL)=2 mg1 mg/mL=2 mL\text{Volume to administer (mL)} = \frac{2 \text{ mg}}{1 \text{ mg/mL}} = 2 \text{ mL}Volume to administer (mL)=1 mg/mL2 mg=2 mL
Step 3: Round the answer as instructed. In this case, the answer is already a whole number (2 mL). According to the rounding instructions provided, there is no need for a leading or trailing zero in this case.
Step 4: Administration Considerations. Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication often used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms, which may occur as a side effect of antipsychotic medications. Extrapyramidal reactions can include symptoms such as rigidity, tremors, and bradykinesia. Administering benztropine IM allows for rapid onset and can provide relief for the client.
Step 5: Safety and Monitoring. It is essential to monitor the client for any potential side effects following administration, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, or urinary retention, which are common with anticholinergic drugs. Additionally, the nurse should assess the client’s response to the medication, including a reduction in extrapyramidal symptoms, and document the administration accurately in the client’s medical record.
In conclusion, the nurse should administer 2 mL of benztropine per dose.