The healthcare provider orders Valium 8 mg IV now. The concentration available is 5 mg/mL. How many mL will the patient receive?

Choice A reason: To calculate the volume, divide the ordered dose (8 mg) by the concentration (5 mg/mL): 8 ÷ 5 = 1.6 mL. Choice A (1.4 mL) underestimates the volume, delivering only 7 mg (1.4 × 5), which is insufficient for the prescribed dose, making it incorrect for accurate medication administration. Choice B reason: Calculating 8 mg ÷ 5 mg/mL yields 1.6 mL. Choice B (1.8 mL) would deliver 9 mg (1.8 × 5), exceeding the ordered dose. This overdose could increase the risk of sedation or respiratory depression, as Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine with potent CNS effects, making this choice incorrect. Choice C reason: The correct volume is 8 mg ÷ 5 mg/mL = 1.6 mL. Choice C (1.2 mL) delivers only 6 mg (1.2 × 5), which is below the prescribed dose. This underdose could result in inadequate therapeutic effects, such as insufficient anxiety relief or seizure control, making it an incorrect choice. Choice D reason: Dividing the ordered dose (8 mg) by the concentration (5 mg/mL) gives 8 ÷ 5 = 1.6 mL. This volume accurately delivers the prescribed 8 mg of Valium, ensuring therapeutic efficacy for conditions like anxiety or seizures while minimizing risks of over- or under-dosing, making it the correct choice.