A child is to receive 1.2 million units of penicillin G potassium daily, divided every 6 hours. If the vial contains 300,000 units/mL, how many mL should the nurse administer per dose?

A child is to receive 1.2 million units of penicillin G potassium daily, divided every 6 hours. If the vial contains 300,000 units/mL, how many mL should the nurse administer per dose?

• A. 0.5 mL
• B. 1 mL
• C. 1.5 mL
• D. 2 mL

Answer: (B)

To determine the correct volume of penicillin G potassium to administer per dose, it helps to first establish the total daily dosage needed and then break it down into individual doses. The child is prescribed 1.2 million units of penicillin G potassium daily. Since this amount is to be divided into doses every 6 hours, there will be a total of four doses in a day (24 hours ÷ 6 hours = 4 doses). Now, we can calculate the amount per dose: 1.2 million units / 4 doses = 300,000 units per dose. Next, we need to relate the units required per dose to the concentration found in the vial, which is 300,000 units/mL. Since each mL contains 300,000 units, administering 300,000 units will equate to 1 mL. Therefore, the amount to be administered per dose is indeed 1 mL. This makes the selected answer accurate and appropriate given the calculations involving total units and concentration available.

To determine the correct volume of penicillin G potassium to administer per dose, it helps to first establish the total daily dosage needed and then break it down into individual doses.

The child is prescribed 1.2 million units of penicillin G potassium daily. Since this amount is to be divided into doses every 6 hours, there will be a total of four doses in a day (24 hours ÷ 6 hours = 4 doses).

Now, we can calculate the amount per dose:

1.2 million units / 4 doses = 300,000 units per dose.

Next, we need to relate the units required per dose to the concentration found in the vial, which is 300,000 units/mL. Since each mL contains 300,000 units, administering 300,000 units will equate to 1 mL.

Therefore, the amount to be administered per dose is indeed 1 mL. This makes the selected answer accurate and appropriate given the calculations involving total units and concentration available.