A nurse is preparing to administer valproic acid 500 mg PO. Available is valproic acid oral solution 250 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number.)

Step 1: Determine the Medication Concentration The total amount of medication in the solution is 250 mg. The total volume of the solution is 5 mL. To find the concentration per mL: 250 mg ÷ 5 mL = 50 mg/mL Step 2: Determine the Required Volume The prescribed dose is 500 mg. To find the volume needed: 500 mg ÷ 50 mg/mL = 10 mL Thus, the nurse should administer 10 mL of the solution to deliver the required 500 mg dose.