Protonix 20 mg is ordered IV twice a day for a client. The Protonix is available in a 40 mg/5 mL concentration. How many milliliters would be given in 24 hours? (Round answer to whole number).

A. decrease the amount of wastes excreted: Laxatives do not reduce waste excretion; rather, they stimulate bowel movements to promote elimination. Their purpose is to relieve constipation by encouraging the evacuation of feces, not to decrease waste output.

B. improve and speed up the passage of the intestinal contents: Laxatives act by softening stool, stimulating peristalsis, or increasing water in the bowel to ease and hasten stool passage. This supports their use in treating constipation or preparing the bowel for procedures.

C. increase the digestion of stomach contents: Laxatives do not influence gastric digestion. Digestion involves enzymatic breakdown in the stomach and small intestine, while laxatives act primarily in the colon to facilitate stool movement and excretion.

D. increase absorption of the contents of the intestines: Many laxatives actually decrease absorption by accelerating transit through the intestines. The faster movement leaves less time for water and nutrients to be absorbed, often leading to looser stools.

Desired dose per administration = 20 mg.

• Determine the number of administrations in 24 hours.

"twice a day," which means 2 administrations in 24 hours.

• Calculate the total milligrams administered in 24 hours.

Total mg in 24 hours = 20 mg/dose × 2 doses/day

= 40 mg/day.

Available concentration = 40 mg/5 mL.

• Calculate the total milliliters to be given in 24 hours.

Volume (mL) = Total mg in 24 hours / (Available concentration (mg) / Available volume (mL))

= 40 mg / (40 mg / 5 mL)

= 40 mg / 8 mg/mL

= 5 mL.