NursingSprint

Step 1: Identify the ordered dose and available concentration

1. Ordered dose = 0.15 mg
2. Available concentration = 0.05 mg/mL

Step 2: Use the formula to calculate volume to administer

Formula:

Volume (mL) = Dose (mg) ÷ Concentration (mg/mL)

Calculation:

Volume = 0.15 ÷ 0.05 = 3 mL

Step 3: Round the final answer to the nearest whole number

Rounded Volume:

3 mL

Final Answer:

3 mL

Educational Insight

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside with a narrow therapeutic range, often prescribed in pediatric and geriatric populations in liquid form for more accurate dosing. Understanding how to calculate volume from the concentration provided ensures safe and effective administration. Since the elixir is in mg/mL, the nurse must correctly divide the dose by the concentration. Rounding to a whole number is appropriate when the calculation results in an exact value, as seen here.