What would be the dose of insulin in ml, if 24 units of insulin is given using U-40/ml insulin?

Appeared in: DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The fundamental formula for this calculation is Volume = Dose / Concentration.
The prescribed dose is 24 units, and the available insulin concentration is U-40, which means 40 units per mL.
Substituting the values into the formula gives: Volume = 24 units / 40 units/mL.
Performing the division (24 ÷ 40) results in 0.6 mL.

Option B: Administering 0.4 mL of U-40 insulin would deliver only 16 units (0.4 mL × 40 units/mL), which is less than the prescribed dose of 24 units.
Option C: Administering 0.2 mL of U-40 insulin would deliver only 8 units (0.2 mL × 40 units/mL), which is significantly less than the prescribed dose.
Option D: Administering 0.8 mL of U-40 insulin would deliver 32 units (0.8 mL × 40 units/mL), which is more than the prescribed dose and would lead to hypoglycemia.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Drug dose calculation for insulin helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Insulin is a high-alert medication due to the high risk of significant patient harm (severe hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia) if administered incorrectly.
A critical nursing responsibility is to always verify the insulin concentration on the vial (e.g., U-40, U-100) and use the syringe that specifically matches that concentration.
In India, U-40 insulin is still commonly used, making it essential for nurses to be vigilant about checking vials and using the correct U-40 (red-capped) syringe to prevent dosing errors.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key information provided in the question: the desired dose (24 units) and the available concentration (U-40, which means 40 units/mL).
Recall the standard formula for medication calculation: Volume to Administer = (Desired Dose) / (Available Concentration).
Substitute the given values into the formula: Volume = 24 units / 40 units/mL.
Perform the mathematical calculation: 24 divided by 40 equals 0.6.
The result is the volume in milliliters (mL).
Finally, compare your calculated answer (0.6 mL) with the provided options to select the correct one.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 pp. 170-172, 171-173

Practise the full DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

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