ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7MathematicsMedium

A patient's medication is supplied in a vial containing 2.5 grams of powder. The instructions state to reconstitute the powder with 5 mL of sterile water to achieve a concentration of 500 mg/mL. How much powder was actually needed for this concentration?

  1. A5000 mg
  2. B1250 mg
  3. C250 mg
  4. D2500 mg
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. 2500 mg

To find the total amount of powder needed, multiply the desired concentration (500 mg/mL) by the volume of sterile water used for reconstitution (5 mL). This gives 2500 mg.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This would be the amount if 10 mL of water were used.
  • B. This is an incorrect calculation, possibly dividing 2.5g by 2 or 5.
  • C. This is 500 mg / 2 mL, not the total amount.

Reconstitution Calculation (Powder)

Determining the amount of powdered medication required to achieve a specific concentration when reconstituted with a given volume of diluent.

  • Concentration is expressed as mass per volume (e.g., mg/mL).
  • Involves multiplying the target concentration by the diluent volume.
  • Ensures the final solution has the desired strength.

Memory trick: Concentration times Volume, that's the powder's true sum!

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