In: Nursing
Use dimensional analysis to determine the number of milliliters to administer a patient needing 4 mg of medication. The medication on hand is labeled 6 mg to 2 ml.
To apply dimentional analysis, first we need to create a fraction
Considering amount (ml) to be administered as Xml
Desired unit = 4mg, to create a fraction let's write as 4mg/1
Here 4mg needs to be changed into milliliter value, that is 4mg/1 = Xml
Amount in hand = 6mg in 2ml, which means 2ml contains 6mg of medication.
Lets convert this information also into fraction, 2ml/6mg. 2ml was put at numerator because we need the answer in ml.
So the fraction equation is 4mg/1 x 2ml/6mg = Xml
In fraction we multiply numerators together and denominators together. Before that inorder to simplify the calculation if the number in the numerator and denominator have the same units, the units will be cancelled . So here 'mgs' will get cancelled in this equation.
Xml = 4/1 x 2/6
Xml = [4 x 2] / [6x1]
Xml = 8 / 6 = 1.3
X= 1.3mla
So the number of milliliters to administered to a patient needing 4 mg of medication is 1.3ml