120 a couestons The prescriber orders digoxin elixir 0.25 mg PO every AM. The pharmacy sends a bottle labeled: Digoxin elixir \( 50 \mathrm{mcg} / \mathrm{mL} \). How many milliters should the nurse administer? 1 mL 2.5 mL 3 mL 5 mL Next

To determine how many milliliters of digoxin elixir to administer, you first need to convert the prescribed dose from milligrams to micrograms. Since 1 mg = 1000 mcg, 0.25 mg is equal to 250 mcg. Given that the concentration of the elixir is 50 mcg/mL, you can calculate the volume by dividing the desired dose (250 mcg) by the concentration (50 mcg/mL). So, \( \text{Volume} = \frac{250 \, \text{mcg}}{50 \, \text{mcg/mL}} = 5 \, \text{mL} \). Therefore, the nurse should administer 5 mL. In practice, calculating dosages accurately is crucial to patient safety. Mistakes often happen if decimals aren’t placed correctly or if unit conversions are ignored. Always double-check calculations and ensure you’re familiar with the units of measure, especially when switching between milligrams and micrograms. A second look—or asking a colleague—can be a lifesaver!