Lactulose 20 gm is to be administered to a patient through gastric tube. On hand is lactulose syrup 10 gm/15 mL. How much will the nurse give?

Appeared in: AIIMS Bhatinda NO - 2019

Explanation

The question requires the nurse to calculate the correct volume of a liquid medication to administer based on the prescribed dose and the available concentration.
The standard formula for this calculation is (Desired Dose / Dose on Hand) × Volume.
Plugging in the values: The desired dose is 20 gm, the dose on hand is 10 gm, and the volume it comes in is 15 mL.
The calculation is (20 gm / 10 gm) × 15 mL, which equals 2 × 15 mL.
The final correct volume to be administered is 30 mL.

Option A: 1 mL is an incorrect calculation and a significant underdose.
Option B: 10 mL is an incorrect calculation. This might be chosen if the nurse incorrectly assumes a 1:1 ratio or miscalculates.
Option C: 20 mL is an incorrect calculation. This might result from confusing the numbers in the formula, for example, multiplying 20 by (10/15).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Medication Dosage Calculation to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Accurate dosage calculation is a fundamental and critical nursing skill to ensure patient safety and prevent medication errors.
Lactulose is commonly used for treating hepatic encephalopathy by reducing ammonia levels. Nurses must monitor the patient's mental status and serum ammonia levels to assess effectiveness.
When administering medications via a gastric tube, it is crucial to flush the tube with water before and after to ensure the patient receives the full dose and to maintain tube patency.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify what the question is asking. Here, it's asking for the volume (in mL) of medication to administer.
Identify the key pieces of information provided: the 'Desired' dose (what is ordered), the 'Have' dose (what is available), and the 'Volume' or 'Quantity' the available dose comes in.
Desired (D) = 20 gm
Have (H) = 10 gm
Volume (V) or Quantity (Q) = 15 mL
Apply the standard dosage calculation formula: (D / H) × V = Amount to administer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 pp. 141-143, 142-144

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 3 p. 179-181

Practise the full AIIMS Bhatinda NO - 2019

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