Question

Ordered: methicillin 750 mg IM q6h. available: methicillin

sodium 1 g. Directions: add 5.7 mL sterile water for injection.
Each 2 mL equals 1 g methicillin sodium. Discard after storing 24
hr at room

Answer 1

To administer the prescribed 750 mg dose of methicillin IM, one must reconstitute the provided methicillin sodium with sterile water and then measure out 1.5 mL of the solution for each dose, discarding the mixture after 24 hours.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves calculating the correct dosage of methicillin antibiotic for an IM (intramuscular) injection from a supplied methicillin sodium powder that needs to be reconstituted with sterile water. According to the instructions, adding 5.7 mL of sterile water to the 1 g of methicillin sodium yields a solution where each 2 mL contains 1 g of the antibiotic.

For a prescribed dosage of 750 mg, since 2 mL equals 1 g (1000 mg), then we need to administer 750 mg x (2 mL / 1000 mg) = 1.5 mL of the reconstituted solution to the patient every 6 hours (q6h). It is important to note that the mixture should be discarded after storing for 24 hours at room temperature to ensure potency and to prevent bacterial growth.