The available strength of epinephrine is

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-2nd

Explanation

The concentration 1:1000 is the standard strength of epinephrine supplied in ampules and auto-injectors (like EpiPen).
This strength corresponds to a concentration of 1 mg of epinephrine per 1 mL of solution (1 mg/mL).
It is the correct concentration for intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) administration in cases of anaphylaxis or severe asthma attacks.
While other concentrations exist, 1:1000 is considered the primary, undiluted available strength from which other dilutions are often made.

Option A: A 1:100 concentration (10 mg/mL) is extremely concentrated and is not used for standard injections. Giving this strength parenterally would be highly dangerous.
Option B: A 1:500 concentration is not a standard, commercially available strength for epinephrine injections in most healthcare settings.
Option D: While 1:10,000 is an available and commonly used strength, it is a diluted form, not the standard base concentration. The question asks for 'the' available strength, implying the primary form.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Epinephrine (Adrenaline) Concentrations as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Preventing medication errors with epinephrine is a critical patient safety goal. Nurses must always double-check the concentration before administration, as confusing 1:1000 and 1:10,000 can have fatal consequences.
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) has highlighted the danger of using ratio expressions and recommends labeling with mg/mL to improve clarity.
A nurse's role includes not only administering the correct dose but also ensuring the correct concentration is used for the intended route.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for a standard 'available strength' of epinephrine.
Recognize that epinephrine is an emergency drug with different concentrations for different uses.
Recall the two most common concentrations: 1:1000 and 1:10,000.
Differentiate their primary uses: 1:1000 is the concentrated form for IM/SC use (anaphylaxis), while 1:10,000 is the diluted form for IV use (cardiac arrest).
Since 1:1000 is the base concentration from which the 1:10,000 dilution is made, it is the most appropriate answer for 'the' available strength.
Eliminate other options like 1:100 (too concentrated for injection) and 1:500 (not a standard strength).

Concept Tested & Keywords

QGH00QC5iQ1rDNM3tP624f

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 1 pp. 318-320, 319-321

E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 549-551

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