Math Problem Help

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Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

I cannot figure out how to set up this problem or find an example in my book. It is probably ridiculously easy, but I don't know what to do.

How many milligrams of sodium chloride are contained in 1 L of 0.225% NaCl?

The answer is 2,250 mg.

I started to set it up like this, but I am lost from here and not sure if I even started it correctly.

0.225mg/mL * 1000mL/L

Thanks!

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.

Your concentration isn't correct. Think in percentages. Don't worry they screw up the seasoned nurses too.

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Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

I figured out my problem finally.

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OK, so NS (aka 0.9% Normal Saline solution) means that there is 0.9g of sodium PER 100mL. Therefore, there would be 9g of sodium in 1L. You just multiply by 10 because 100mL x 10=1000mL.

Therefore, 0.225%NS would have 0.225g of sodium per 100mL. In 1L of fluid, there would be 2.25g of sodium.

This also is the case for dextrose containing solutions. D5W has 5g of dextrose per 100mL, and thus, 50g of dextrose per 1L of fluid.

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