Order is 180 mg of cefotaxime intravenously. Available form is 500 mg/5 ml. What is the amount of medication to be administered using a 2 ml syringe with 10 divisions per ml?

1. A

   8 divisions

2. B

   18 divisions

3. C

   12 divisions

4. D

   1.8 divisions

Appeared in: AIIMS Rishikesh & Jodhpur NO - 2017

Explanation

• The standard formula for drug calculation is (Dose Ordered / Dose Available) × Quantity.
• First, calculate the volume in milliliters (ml) required: (180 mg / 500 mg) × 5 ml = 1.8 ml.
• Next, convert this volume into the number of divisions based on the syringe's calibration.
• The syringe has 10 divisions per ml, so the calculation is: 1.8 ml × 10 divisions/ml = 18 divisions.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: This represents 0.8 ml (8 divisions / 10 divisions/ml), which is an incorrect volume. This error could occur by only considering the decimal part of the calculated volume (0.8 from 1.8 ml).
• Option C: This represents 1.2 ml (12 divisions / 10 divisions/ml). This is the result of a calculation error and does not correspond to the correct dosage.
• Option D: This error confuses the calculated volume in ml (1.8 ml) with the number of divisions. It fails to apply the conversion factor of 10 divisions per ml.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Drug Dosage Calculation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• Accurate medication calculation is fundamental to upholding the 'Six Rights' of medication administration, specifically the 'Right Dose,' preventing potential patient harm.
• Medication errors, including incorrect dosing, are a significant patient safety risk. Overdosing can lead to toxicity, while underdosing can result in therapeutic failure.
• Nurses must always verify the calibration of the syringe they are using, as different syringes have different scales (e.g., divisions per ml).

How to Approach the Question

• Identify the key values provided: Dose Ordered (180 mg), Dose Available (500 mg), Volume Available (5 ml), and Syringe Calibration (10 divisions/ml).
• Apply the standard drug calculation formula: (Dose Ordered / Dose Available) × Volume Available.
• Calculate the required volume in milliliters (ml): (180 / 500) × 5 = 1.8 ml.
• Use the syringe calibration to convert the volume from ml to divisions.
• Multiply the volume in ml by the number of divisions per ml: 1.8 ml × 10 divisions/ml.
• Solve for the final answer: 18 divisions.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Drug Dosage Calculation
• Stem keywords: cefotaxime, 180 mg, 500 mg/5 ml, 2 ml syringe, 10 divisions per ml
• Lead-in keywords: What is the amount
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QEWogbmWThyhpZ4fD264uF

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 p. 141-143

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 848-850