Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) Practice Exam

How much magnesium sulfate 4 mEq/mL is needed to add 10 mEq to an IV bag?

1. 2 mL

2. 2.5 mL

3. 4 mL

4. 10 mL

The correct answer is: 2.5 mL

To determine the correct volume of magnesium sulfate needed to add 10 mEq to an IV bag, it’s important to understand the concentration of the solution. The magnesium sulfate solution has a concentration of 4 mEq per mL, meaning each milliliter of this solution contains 4 mEq of magnesium sulfate. To calculate the required volume to achieve a total of 10 mEq, you can use the formula: Volume (mL) = Total mEq needed / Concentration (mEq/mL) Substituting the values: Volume (mL) = 10 mEq / 4 mEq/mL = 2.5 mL This calculation shows that 2.5 mL of the 4 mEq/mL magnesium sulfate solution is necessary to deliver the intended dose of 10 mEq. Thus, the correct answer is 2.5 mL, as it accurately reflects the volume needed based on the concentration of the solution.