The healthcare provider ​orders 135 ​mg/m2​ of a drug to be administered PO stat. The​ client's body surface area is 1.55 m2. The medication is supplied 6​ mg/mL. How many mL would you​ administer?

Answer 1

This is a simple 2-step ratio problem.

1. The patient's surface area is 155 m² . For every 1 m² we need to give 6 mg of drug, so the ratio is
2. 1.55 m² ( 6 mg / 1 m²) = 209 mg, so we need a total of 209 mg of drug
3. The available strength is 6 mg/ml, so every 1 ml gives 6mg of drug. The ratio is 1 ml / 6 mg
4. 209 mg (1 ml / 6 mg drug) = 34.8 mg

Answer 2

Based on your Professor's requirements, your answer would be 34.8 ml or 35 ml.

Answer 3

It is best to use basic algebra for this kind of math question. Most of these questions involve several step answers.

Step 1: 135 mg/m2 = x mg/1.55 m2 then solve for x

x = 135 x 1.55 = 209.25 mg

Step 2: 6 mg/ml = 209.25 mg/x ml then solve for x

x = 209.25 mg/6 mg = 34.875 ml of drug (Answer)