The healthcare provider prescribes filgrastim 5 mcg/kg subcutaneous (SubQ) for a client who weighs 176 pounds. The available vial is labeled, “Filgrastim 300 mcg/mL.” Based on the client’s weight, how many milliliters should the nurse administer? (Enter numerical value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth.)
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
To determine the correct dosage of filgrastim to administer, follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Calculation
- Convert the Client’s Weight to Kilograms:The client’s weight is 176 pounds. To convert pounds to kilograms, use the conversion factor where 1 pound equals approximately 0.453592 kilograms.Weight in kilograms=176 pounds×0.453592 kg/pound≈79.83 kg\text{Weight in kilograms} = 176 \text{ pounds} \times 0.453592 \text{ kg/pound} \approx 79.83 \text{ kg}Weight in kilograms=176 pounds×0.453592 kg/pound≈79.83 kg
- Calculate the Total Dose in Micrograms:The prescribed dose is 5 micrograms per kilogram of body weight. Multiply the client’s weight in kilograms by the dose per kilogram.Total dose in micrograms=79.83 kg×5 mcg/kg=399.15 mcg\text{Total dose in micrograms} = 79.83 \text{ kg} \times 5 \text{ mcg/kg} = 399.15 \text{ mcg}Total dose in micrograms=79.83 kg×5 mcg/kg=399.15 mcg
- Convert the Dose to Milliliters:The vial concentration is 300 micrograms per milliliter (mcg/mL). To find out how many milliliters are needed, use the formula:Volume (mL)=Total dose (mcg)Concentration (mcg/mL)\text{Volume (mL)} = \frac{\text{Total dose (mcg)}}{\text{Concentration (mcg/mL)}}Volume (mL)=Concentration (mcg/mL)Total dose (mcg)Substitute the values:Volume (mL)=399.15 mcg300 mcg/mL≈1.33 mL\text{Volume (mL)} = \frac{399.15 \text{ mcg}}{300 \text{ mcg/mL}} \approx 1.33 \text{ mL}Volume (mL)=300 mcg/mL399.15 mcg≈1.33 mLRounding to the nearest tenth:Volume (mL)≈1.3 mL\text{Volume (mL)} \approx 1.3 \text{ mL}Volume (mL)≈1.3 mL
Summary
The nurse should administer 1.3 milliliters of filgrastim.
Explanation
This calculation involves converting the client’s weight into the appropriate units, computing the required dose based on body weight, and then determining the volume of medication needed based on the vial’s concentration. Accurate dosage calculations are crucial in ensuring effective and safe medication administration. In this case, the dose of filgrastim is carefully tailored to the client’s weight, and the resulting volume is derived from the concentration provided, ensuring that the client receives the correct amount of medication.