If a nurse needs to administer 150 mg of amantadine and the available concentration is 50 mg/5 ml, how many milliliters should be given?

To determine the correct volume of amantadine to administer, it is crucial to use the available concentration to set up a proportion.

The concentration of amantadine provided is 50 mg per 5 ml. From this, we can find the amount of medication in 1 ml by dividing:

50 mg / 5 ml = 10 mg/ml.

Next, to find out how many milliliters are needed to achieve a total dosage of 150 mg, we can use the formula:

Volume (ml) = Desired Dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/ml).

Plugging in the numbers, we have:

Volume (ml) = 150 mg / 10 mg/ml = 15 ml.

Thus, the correct amount to administer is 15 ml, which corresponds to the choice provided. This calculation is essential in ensuring the accurate delivery of medication, which is pivotal in patient care.

Understanding the manipulation of concentrations and units is vital for safe medication administration and reflects a foundational skill for healthcare professionals.