A client with a chlamydia infection receives a prescription for a single dose azithromycin 1 gram by mouth. The bottle is labeled “Azithromycin for Oral Suspension, USP 200 mg per 5 mL.”
How many mL should the nurse administer?
The correct answer and Explanation is :
To determine how many milliliters (mL) of the azithromycin oral suspension the nurse should administer to deliver a single dose of 1 gram (1000 mg), we can use the concentration provided on the medication label.
The label states that the azithromycin oral suspension has a concentration of 200 mg per 5 mL. To find out how many mL are needed to achieve a dose of 1000 mg, we can set up a proportion based on the concentration:
- Calculate the amount of medication per mL:
( \frac{200 \text{ mg}}{5 \text{ mL}} = 40 \text{ mg/mL} ) - Determine the volume required for 1000 mg:
Using the concentration of 40 mg/mL:
[
\text{Volume (mL)} = \frac{\text{Dose (mg)}}{\text{Concentration (mg/mL)}} = \frac{1000 \text{ mg}}{40 \text{ mg/mL}} = 25 \text{ mL}
]
Thus, the nurse should administer 25 mL of azithromycin oral suspension.
Explanation:
In this case, the client has been prescribed a single dose of azithromycin 1 gram (1000 mg) to treat a chlamydia infection. The nurse must calculate the volume of the oral suspension required to ensure the client receives the correct dose. Understanding the drug’s concentration is crucial for accurate dosing. The concentration of 200 mg per 5 mL translates to 40 mg per mL, which provides a clear basis for calculating the necessary volume for any prescribed dose.
Accurate medication administration is essential in nursing practice to prevent underdosing or overdosing, which can lead to ineffective treatment or adverse effects. In this scenario, providing 25 mL ensures that the client receives the full 1 gram of azithromycin needed for effective treatment of the infection. Proper documentation of the medication administration and monitoring the client for any side effects post-administration are also key components of nursing care in this context.