Dose Calculation for Streptomycin Administration
Administering medication accurately is crucial in healthcare settings to ensure patient safety and effective treatment. In this case, calculating the correct dosage of streptomycin solution is essential to follow the doctor's order and avoid medication errors.
The doctor's order specifies 500 mg of streptomycin to be given intramuscularly every 12 hours. However, the concentration of the available streptomycin vial is 1 gram per 2.5 milliliters of solution. This means that 1 gram is equivalent to 1000 mg. By setting up a proportion equation, we can determine the appropriate amount of solution to administer.
Using the formula:
500 mg / x mL = 1000 mg / 2.5 mL
We can calculate that x = 1.25 mL, which is the correct amount of streptomycin solution to give to the patient. It is important to be precise in preparing and administering the medication to ensure the patient receives the proper dosage.
When choosing the syringe for administration, it is essential to select one that can accurately measure the required volume of 1.25 mL. In this case, a 3 mL syringe is the most suitable option as it can provide the necessary precision in delivering the medication.
It is crucial for healthcare professionals to perform dose calculations accurately and use the appropriate equipment to ensure patient safety and the effectiveness of the treatment. Understanding the principles of dosage calculations and medication administration is essential in delivering quality healthcare services.