Question

A client is prescribed lorazepam (Ativan) 0.5 mg oral suspension every 6 hours as needed for anxiety. The medication is available as 2 mg/mL oral suspension. How many mL of the medication will the PN provide for each dose?

Answer 1

To determine the volume of lorazepam suspension to administer, divide the prescribed dose (0.5 mg) by the concentration of the drug available (2 mg/mL), resulting in 0.25 mL per dose.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking how many milliliters (mL) of lorazepam oral suspension should be administered when a dose of 0.5 mg is prescribed and the medication is available in a concentration of 2 mg/mL. To calculate the correct dosage, you use the formula:

Dosage prescribed / Concentration available = Amount to be given

In this case:

1. Prescribed dosage = 0.5 mg
2. Available concentration = 2 mg/mL
3. Amount to be given = 0.5 mg / 2 mg/mL = 0.25 mL

Therefore, the practical nurse (PN) will provide 0.25 mL of the lorazepam oral suspension for each dose as needed for anxiety.