Injection oxytocin 1 ml ampule contains how many units?

Appeared in: NORCET 2 -2021 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Oxytocin is a hormone used to stimulate uterine contractions and is a critical medication in obstetrics.
It is available in various concentrations, with 5 International Units (IU) per mL being one of the common standard preparations (e.g., Syntocinon).
Therefore, a 1 mL ampule can contain 5 units of Oxytocin.
While 10 IU/mL is also a very common concentration, 5 IU/mL is a valid and available formulation, making it a correct answer among the choices.

Option A: Although 10 units per mL is a very common concentration for Oxytocin (often as 5 IU in 0.5 mL), and is the standard dose for PPH prophylaxis, 5 units per mL is also a standard available preparation. Without further context, both could be considered correct, but since 5 units is an option, it's a valid answer.
Option C: 15 units is not a standard concentration for a 1 mL ampule of Oxytocin.
Option D: While a total dose of 20 units might be administered over time via an IV infusion, it is not the standard content of a single 1 mL ampule.

Visual 1: Image - A photograph of an Oxytocin ampule with the label clearly visible, showing '5 IU/mL' or '10 IU/mL' to help learners recognize the packaging.
Visual 2: Diagram - A flowchart illustrating the steps for preparing an Oxytocin IV infusion for labor induction, starting from a 5 IU or 10 IU ampule.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Standard drug dosage and preparation of Oxytocin as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate dosage of Oxytocin is critical for patient safety. Overdosing can lead to uterine hyperstimulation (tachysystole), which can cause fetal distress, uterine rupture, and water intoxication due to Oxytocin's antidiuretic effect.
Nurses must be vigilant in monitoring uterine contractions, fetal heart rate, and maternal vital signs during Oxytocin administration.
What if? If a patient receiving an Oxytocin infusion develops uterine tachysystole (more than 5 contractions in 10 minutes), the nurse's first action is to stop the infusion and notify the provider. The patient may be turned to her side to improve placental perfusion.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question common in pharmacology.
Identify the drug (Oxytocin) and the specific question (units per 1 ml ampule).
Recall the standard preparations and concentrations for this medication used in clinical practice.
Evaluate the given options against your knowledge of standard dosages.
Recognize that multiple concentrations might exist. In this case, both 5 IU/mL and 10 IU/mL are common. Since 5 IU is an option, it is a correct answer.
Select the option that matches a known, standard formulation.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.