Stumped on this calculations question. Can anyone help me with this?

[garnetgirl29, BSN, RN]

I have a calculations test next week and I'm working on a practice worksheet. This question has me totally stumped:

On Hand: V-cillin K 200,000 U per 5 mL

Order reads: V-cillin K 300,000 U p.o.

Give:_________

I know p.o. is orally and U means units, so no conversion. I don't know what the K means or how to come up with the answer.

The answer is : 7.5 mL or 1 1/2 tsp

Thanks!

[gemini_girl]

KNOW THE FORMULA:

Dosage Desired (300,000 U) X Quantity on Hand (5 mL) = 7.5 mL

Dosage on Hand (200,000 U)

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I know it as Pen VK.....the K is potassium and has nothing to do with the calculation....:hug: Relax!!!

Penicillin V potassium is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia, scarlet fever, and ear, skin, and throat infections. It also is used to prevent recurrent rheumatic fever and chorea. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

Penicillin V Potassium Oral - PubMed Health

[garnetgirl29, BSN, RN]

Ok. Thank you! Duh...I know K is potassium, but I wasn't seeing it here...lol.

[tlc2u]

I will try to help you understand this problem and then you can work it out. If you still have questions then post back.

K = Potassium

V-cillin K = an antibiotic (Potassium salts of penicillin)

As you know p.o. is oral so you will be giving an oral antibiotic.

You state there is no conversion needed as you have "Units" and "Units" but look again is that really what you have? On hand you have "Units per mL" and your order is for "Units".

What does "per mL" tell you? This means you're not giving a pill. You are giving a liquid you will need to measure (often times measured in a small medicine dose cup).

Now as your problem states you have liquid V-cillin K on hand of which 5mL of the liquid contains 200,000 U. If your order is for 300,000 U how many mL's or teaspoons would you need to give? (5 mL is equal to 1 tsp)

Hope this helps. Best of Luck

[garnetgirl29, BSN, RN]

Thanks! I think I have it now.

[DixieRedHead, ASN, RN]

In the future try marking out all the information you don't need. Might help.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Ok. Thank you! Duh...I know K is potassium, but I wasn't seeing it here...lol.

YOu were in a study mode and read too much into the question....:hug:

Been there done that....