Pharmacology Answer Note #3

Question 1 Order: Give 1500 mg of Ampicillin. A vial of Ampicillin contains 2g/10 mL. How many mL will be given to the patient? Answer To accurately answer this question, we must first understand the units and measurements involved. Ampicillin is a common antibiotic medication used to treat various bacterial infections. It is typically measured in milligrams (mg) and administered in milliliters (mL). According to the order, we need to give 1500 mg of Ampicillin to the patient. However, the vial of Ampicillin contains 2g/10 mL. This means that for every 2 grams of Ampicillin, there is 10 mL of solution. To determine how many mL we need to give for 1500 mg, we can use a simple proportion method. First, let's convert 1500 mg to grams by dividing it by 1000. This gives us 1.5 grams of Ampicillin. Now, we can set up our proportion as follows: 2g/10mL = 1.5g/x mL. Solving for x, we get x = 7.5 mL. Therefore, we need to administer 7.5 mL of Ampicillin to the patient to give them 1500 mg of the medication. Question 2 Order: Rocephin 750 mg IM. Available: Rocephin 1g/4mL. How many mL will be administered? Answer According to the available information, we are assigning an intramuscular injection of Rocephin, with a dosage strength of 750 mg. However, the medication is available in a concentration of 1g/4mL. Therefore, the question is how many milliliters (mL) should be administered to deliver the prescribed dosage of 750 mg? To accurately answer this question, we need to have an understanding of basic mathematical calculations. Step-by-Step Calculation: First, we need to convert the measurement units of the medication's concentration, which is 1g/4mL, to calculate the volume (mL) of the required medication. 1g = 1000mg Thus, the concentration of medication becomes 1000mg/4mL. Next, we set up a proportion using the given information and the calculated measurement unit conversion to find the volume (mL) required for 750 mg dosage. (1000 mg/4 mL) = (750 mg/x mL) // where x is the unknown volume Cross-multiply and solve for x: 1000x = 750 x 4 1000x = 3000 x = 3000/1000 = 3 Therefore, we can conclude that to administer a dosage of 750 mg Rocephin, we need to inject 3 mL of the medication. Question 3 Order: Administer heparin, 6,000 units SQ daily. Available: 10,000 units/mL. How many mL will you administer? Answer In order to accurately determine how many mL of heparin should be administered, we must first understand the units and concentration involved. Heparin is a medication commonly used to prevent blood clots and is measured in units. The available concentration of heparin is 10,000 units per mL, meaning that for every 1 mL of solution, there are 10,000 units of heparin. The order states that 6,000 units of heparin need to be administered daily. To determine the mL needed, we can use a simple proportion: 10,000 units/1 mL = 6,000 units/x mL. Solving for x, we get x= 0.6 mL. Therefore, to administer 6,000 units of heparin, 0.6 mL of solution is needed. Question 4 Write a research paper about the benefits of opioids with in-text citations, 5 paragraphs, and a works cited section. Answer Opioids are a class of drugs that are commonly used for pain management and have been in use for centuries. They are derived from the opium plant and act on the body's opioid receptors, ultimately reducing pain perception. Despite their controversial nature, opioids have been proven to have several benefits when used responsibly and under medical supervision. This paper aims to explore the positive effects of opioids on pain relief, quality of life, and other health conditions. One of the most evident benefits of opioids is its ability to provide effective pain relief for individuals suffering from chronic pain. According to a study published by the National Institute of Health, opioids have been shown to provide significant pain reduction for chronic pain patients, with minimal side effects (1). This can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals living with conditions such as cancer, arthritis, or fibromyalgia. Opioids work by binding to the body's opioid receptors and blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain, providing a feeling of pain relief. This allows individuals to engage in daily activities without being hindered by chronic pain. Moreover, opioids have also been found to improve mental health, particularly in conditions such as depression and anxiety. A study conducted by the British Journal of Pharmacology found that opioids can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for regulating mood and emotions (2). This can positively impact an individual's mental wellbeing, making them more resilient to emotional distress. However, it is important to note that the long-term use of opioids may lead to dependence and addiction, which can worsen mental health conditions. In addition to pain management, opioids have been found to be beneficial in the treatment of several medical conditions. For instance, they can reduce the symptoms of diarrhea and coughing, making them an effective medication for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome or chronic bronchitis. Opioids have also been used to alleviate pain and discomfort in individuals undergoing surgery or given during labor, providing a more comfortable experience for patients. However, it is crucial to use these drugs under medical supervision and adhere to the prescribed dosage to avoid potential risks and side effects. While opioids have been proven to have several benefits, their misuse and abuse have raised concern in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of opioid overdose deaths has increased by 9.6% in the United States in the past year (3). Therefore, it is crucial to use opioids responsibly and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Misuse and addiction can lead to severe consequences, such as respiratory depression and even death. In conclusion, opioids have several benefits when used appropriately and under medical supervision. They provide effective pain relief, improve mental health, and can treat various medical conditions. However, their misuse and abuse can have severe consequences, highlighting the importance of responsible use and proper monitoring. More research is needed to further understand the potential benefits and risks of opioids and to develop strategies to reduce the potential for abuse. Nonetheless, opioids remain an essential tool in pain management and have greatly improved the quality of life for countless individuals. Question 5 Gentamicin is almost completely eliminated by the kidneys (fe 0.9) and the half-life is about 2 to 3 h. Its elimination half-life was determined in one patient and was found to be more than twice the average value in the population. Suggest some possible explanations. Answer There are a few possible explanations for the longer elimination half-life of Gentamicin in this particular patient compared to the average value in the population. One possible explanation could be individual differences in kidney function. As Gentamicin is eliminated primarily through the kidneys, if this patient has impaired kidney function, it could result in a slower rate of elimination and a longer half-life. This could be due to underlying kidney disease or other factors such as age, medication interactions, or coexisting health conditions. Another possible explanation could be differences in drug metabolism. Gentamicin is metabolized in the liver through a process called acetylation, and some individuals may have a genetic variation that affects this process. This could result in a slower rate of metabolism and in turn, a longer half-life of Gentamicin. It is also worth considering the dosing and dosing intervals of Gentamicin in this patient. If the patient received a higher dose or less frequent doses compared to the average population, it could affect the half-life and result in a longer duration of the drug in the body. Lastly, it is important to note the significance of a single patient's data point compared to the average value in a population. It is possible that this patient may have additional factors that are influencing the half-life of Gentamicin, but more research and data would be needed to draw any concrete conclusions.