If a nurse administers 1100 mg from a vial of 250 mg/5 mL, what volume has been administered?

To determine the volume administered based on the provided concentration of the medication, one can use a dimensional analysis approach. The concentration given is 250 mg per 5 mL.

First, find out how many mg there are in 1 mL of the solution:

250 mg / 5 mL = 50 mg/mL

Next, calculate how many milliliters are needed to provide 1100 mg:

1100 mg ÷ 50 mg/mL = 22 mL

Given that the chosen answer was 15 mL, this indicates a misunderstanding in the calculation or a mix-up with the conversion factors. The correct method shows that 22 mL would need to be administered to deliver the required dose of 1100 mg, not any of the provided volumes.

It's essential to accurately convert dosages based on the concentration of a medication, as this ensures patient safety and proper therapeutic effect. Understanding these calculations is crucial for nursing practice, where precise dosing is vital.