NREMT Paramedic Cognitive ExamOperationsMedium
A paramedic is managing a 45-year-old male with a suspected opioid overdose. The patient is apneic and pulseless. After initiating high-quality CPR, the paramedic prepares to administer naloxone. The protocol states 2 mg IV/IO. The medication is supplied in a prefilled syringe containing 4 mg in 10 mL. How many milliliters should the paramedic administer?
- A7.5 mL
- B2.5 mL
- C5.0 mL
- D10.0 mL
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 5.0 mL
To calculate the volume to administer, use the formula: (Desired Dose / Concentration) * Volume. Desired Dose = 2 mg. Concentration = 4 mg. Volume = 10 mL. So, (2 mg / 4 mg) * 10 mL = 0.5 * 10 mL = 5.0 mL.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 7.5 mL would be for a 3 mg dose from a 4mg/10mL concentration.
- B. 2.5 mL would be for a 1 mg dose from a 4mg/10mL concentration.
- D. 10.0 mL would be for a 4 mg dose, which is not the desired dose.
Medication Dosage Calculation
Accurate medication dosage calculation is critical in prehospital care to ensure patient safety and therapeutic effect. It involves determining the correct volume of medication to administer based on the desired dose and the concentration of the available drug.
- Formula: (Desired Dose / Concentration) * Volume.
- Ensure units are consistent (e.g., mg/mg, mL/mL).
- Double-check calculations to prevent errors.
- Concentration is usually given as mg/mL or mg/total volume.
Memory trick: Desired Over Have, Times the Volume You'll Give!