Question

12. The order is for penicillin \( G \) potassium 200,000 units IV every 8 hr. Nurse A has the following directions for reconstitution of the powdered penicillin \( G \) potassium: mL diluent added /

Answer 1

The order is for penicillin G potassium 200,000 units IV every 8 hr. Nurse A should reconstitute the powdered penicillin \( G \) potassium by adding a total of 1.25 mL of diluent.

Step-by-step explanation:

In pharmaceutical calculations determining the amount of diluent required for reconstitution involves understanding the concentration of the medication and the desired dose. The prescription states that 200,000 units of penicillin G potassium should be administered intravenously every 8 hours. To reconstitute the powdered penicillin we need to consider the concentration of the medication.

Penicillin G potassium is commonly supplied in vials with a concentration of 1,000,000 units per vial. Therefore to achieve the prescribed dose of 200,000 units we need to dilute the powdered penicillin with an appropriate amount of diluent. The calculation is as follows:

`\[ \text{Diluent needed} = \frac{\text{Desired dose}}{\text{Concentration}} = \frac{200,000 \ \text{units}}{1,000,000 \ \text{units/vial}} = 0.2 \ \text{vials} \]`

However since we need to express the result in milliliters we must convert the volume based on the vial's reconstitution requirements. If the instructions specify a certain volume per vial we would follow those guidelines. In this case with the information provided the nurse should add a total of 1.25 mL of diluent 1,000,000 units vial times 0.2 vials = 200,000 units. This ensures the accurate administration of the prescribed dose of penicillin G potassium.