The healthcare provider orders Lasix 40 mg IV now. The concentration available is Lasix 20 mg/mL. How many mL will the patient receive?

Choice A reason: To calculate volume, divide the ordered dose (40 mg) by the concentration (20 mg/mL): 40 ÷ 20 = 2 mL. Choice A (5 mL) delivers 100 mg (5 × 20), far exceeding the ordered dose, risking fluid and electrolyte imbalances, making it incorrect for safe administration. Choice B reason: The correct volume is 40 mg ÷ 20 mg/mL = 2 mL. Choice B (6 mL) delivers 120 mg (6 × 20), significantly overdosing Lasix, which could cause severe dehydration, hypokalemia, or hypotension. This excessive dose is unsafe and incorrect for the prescribed administration. Choice C reason: Calculating 40 mg ÷ 20 mg/mL yields 2 mL. Choice C (4 mL) delivers 80 mg (4 × 20), doubling the ordered dose. This could lead to excessive diuresis, electrolyte disturbances, or hypotension, making it an incorrect and potentially harmful choice for administration. Choice D reason: Dividing the ordered dose (40 mg) by the concentration (20 mg/mL) gives 40 ÷ 20 = 2 mL. This volume accurately delivers the prescribed 40 mg of Lasix, ensuring effective diuresis for conditions like edema or heart failure while minimizing risks, making it the correct choice.