Calculating the Subcutaneous Dosage of Certolizumab Pegol for Rheumatoid Arthritis

QUESTION

A nurse needs to administer certolizumab pegol 400 mg subcutaneously daily for a client with rheumatoid arthritis. The dosage strength of the prefilled syringe is 200 mg/mL. How many milliliters should the nurse administer? Question 17 options: 0.5 mL 1 mL 2 mL 2.5 mL

ANSWER

Calculating the Subcutaneous Dosage of Certolizumab Pegol for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Introduction

In the healthcare profession, accurate medication administration is paramount to ensure the effectiveness of treatment and patient safety. In this scenario, a nurse is tasked with administering a daily subcutaneous dose of certolizumab pegol at 400 mg for a client with rheumatoid arthritis. The prefilled syringe’s dosage strength is 200 mg per milliliter (mL). This essay will guide you through the calculation process to determine the number of milliliters the nurse should administer.

Calculation Process

1. Understand the Prescribed Dosage: The client requires a daily dose of 400 mg of certolizumab pegol.

2. Review Medication Concentration: The prefilled syringe contains 200 mg of certolizumab pegol per milliliter (200 mg/mL).

3. Set Up the Proportion: To find out how many milliliters the nurse should administer, we can set up a proportion:

\( \frac{X \, mL}{400 \, mg} = \frac{1 \, mL}{200 \, mg} \)

Here, X represents the unknown number of milliliters to be administered.

4. Cross-Multiply and Solve for X:

\( X \times 200 \, mg = 400 \, mg \)

Now, divide both sides by 200 to isolate X:

\( X = \frac{400 \, mg}{200} \, mL \)

5. Calculate X:

\( X = 2 \, mL \)

Answer: 2 mL

Conclusion

Based on the prescribed dosage of 400 mg of certolizumab pegol and the concentration of the prefilled syringe, which is 200 mg per milliliter (mL), the nurse should administer 2 milliliters (2 mL) of certolizumab pegol subcutaneously to the client with rheumatoid arthritis. This calculation ensures that the client receives the correct dosage of the medication, promoting both safety and therapeutic effectiveness in their treatment.