Question

The MD orders procainamide 340 mg IM q.6h. for the patient. Pharmacy sends a 2 mL vial of procainamide 0.5 g / mL. How many mL will the nurse administer to the patient? _________ mL

Answer 1

Procainamine is ordered 340 mg q6h.

Vial has 0.5 g/ml. 0.5 g = 500 mg.

So, vial has 500 mg/mL.

So, per dose 340 mg should be administered.

340/500 = 0.68 ml/ dose.

q6h means every 6 hours. So, total 4 doses are to be given to the patient.

0.68 x 4 = 2.72 ml.

So, nurse should administer 0.68 ml/dose and 2.72 ml/day