The physician ordered 1.5 mg of subcutaneous epinephrine stat. The medication is available in an ampule labeled 1:1000. How many milliliters should the nurse give?
A) 0.5
B) 1
C) 1.5
D) 2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When solving any problem, first check that the order and the supply are in the same weight measure. For this problem, no equivalent is necessary. When a medication is supplied as a ratio, the ratio indicates the strength of the drug as grams per milliliters. Therefore, a ratio of 1:1000 means 1 g/1000 mL. Since 1 g is also equivalent to 1000 mg, you can interpret the solution as 1000 mg/1000 mL. This question should be solved using a supply of 1000 mg/1000 mL. Estimate the amount to give. Formula Method: 1.5 mg/1000 mg * 1000 mL = 1500/1000 = 3/2 = 1.5 mL. Proportion (Ratios): 1000 mL : 1000 mg :: x : 1.5 mg; 1000x = 1500/1000 = 3/2 = 1.5 mL. Proportion (Fractions): 1000 mL/1000 mg * x/1.5 mg; 1000x = 1500/1000 = 3/2 = 1.5 mL. Use a conversion factor for dimensional analysis. Dimensional Analysis: 1000 mL/1 g * 1.5 mg * 1 g/1000 mg = 1000 mL * 1.5 *1/1000 = 1500/1000 = 3/2 = 1.5 mL.

The Physician Ordered 1