A patient is ordered Amoxil (amoxicillin) 0.5 grams by mouth three times per day. The concentration is 125 mg/5 mL.
How many milliliters per dose should the nurse administer to the patient?
A.
5 mL
B.
10 mL
C.
15 mL
D.
20 mL
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To determine the correct volume of Amoxil (amoxicillin) to administer per dose, follow these steps:
1. Convert the Ordered Dose from Grams to Milligrams
The medication order is 0.5 grams of amoxicillin. Since 1 gram equals 1000 milligrams: 0.5 grams×1000 mg/gram=500 mg0.5 \text{ grams} \times 1000 \text{ mg/gram} = 500 \text{ mg}0.5 grams×1000 mg/gram=500 mg
Thus, the ordered dose is 500 milligrams.
2. Understand the Concentration of the Medication
The medication concentration is given as 125 mg per 5 mL. This means that every 5 milliliters of the solution contains 125 milligrams of amoxicillin.
3. Determine the Volume Required to Achieve the Ordered Dose
To find out how many milliliters are needed to deliver 500 milligrams of amoxicillin, use the concentration information. Set up the proportion: 125 mg5 mL=500 mgx mL\frac{125 \text{ mg}}{5 \text{ mL}} = \frac{500 \text{ mg}}{x \text{ mL}}5 mL125 mg=x mL500 mg
Here, xxx is the volume in milliliters that needs to be calculated. Rearranging the proportion to solve for xxx: x=500 mg×5 mL125 mgx = \frac{500 \text{ mg} \times 5 \text{ mL}}{125 \text{ mg}}x=125 mg500 mg×5 mL x=2500 mL125x = \frac{2500 \text{ mL}}{125}x=1252500 mL x=20 mLx = 20 \text{ mL}x=20 mL
Thus, you need 20 milliliters of the amoxicillin solution to deliver the 500 milligrams dose.
Summary
To administer the ordered dose of 0.5 grams (500 milligrams) of amoxicillin with a concentration of 125 mg/5 mL, you must measure out 20 milliliters of the solution.
Answer: D. 20 mL
This calculation ensures the patient receives the correct dosage of medication as prescribed, avoiding underdosing or overdosing, which are critical for effective treatment and safety.