A nurse is preparing to administer benztropine mesylate 3 mg IM to a client who has schizophrenia and is experiencing an extrapyramidal reaction to an antipsychotic medications. Available is benztropine mesylate injection 1 mg/mL in 2 mL ampules. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

The nurse should administer 3 mL of benztropine mesylate. Step-by-Step Calculation Understanding the Problem Desired dose: 3 mg benztropine mesylate Available concentration: 1 mg/mL benztropine mesylate Setting Up the Equation We can use the following formula: Desired dose (mg) = Concentration (mg/mL) X Volume (mL) We need to find the volume (mL). Calculating the Volume 3 mg = 1 mg/mL X Volume (mL) To isolate Volume, we divide both sides by 1 mg/mL: Volume (mL) = 3 mg / (1 mg/mL) Volume (mL) = 3 mL The nurse should administer 3 mL of benztropine mesylate.