The healthcare provider prescribes penicillin 200,000 units intramuscularly for a patient with pneumonia.

The available vial is labeled “Penicillin 500,000 units/mL”. How much penicillin should be administered to the patient? (Enter numerical value only.

If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth.)

Choice A rationale
Blood pH level is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the blood. While it’s an important measure in many medical situations, it’s not directly related to the presence of purulent drainage at a burn wound site.
Choice B rationale
Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood and is not directly related to the presence of purulent drainage at a burn wound site. Elevated hematocrit may indicate dehydration or hemoconcentration but does not specifically address the issue of wound infection.
Choice C rationale
The White Blood Cell (WBC) count is a key indicator of infection or inflammation in the body. An elevated WBC count can indicate an infection, which could be the cause of the purulent drainage observed at the burn wound site.
Choice D rationale
Platelet count is a measure of the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are involved in clotting and wound healing, but they do not directly indicate the presence of an infection that could cause purulent drainage.

C. Prepare ice packs for placement in the patient’s axillary area.This response is crucial because the symptoms described—muscle rigidity and hyperthermia—are indicative ofmalignant hyperthermia, a serious reaction that can occur after the administration of succinylcholine, especially in conjunction with certain anesthetics. Immediate cooling measures, such as applying ice packs, are essential to help reduce the patient's elevated body temperature.

Rationale for Other Options:

• A. Call the PACU nurse to prepare for prolonged ventilatory support.: While preparing for ventilatory support may be necessary later, immediate action to address hyperthermia is critical.
• B. Hold a prescription for dantrolene until the fever is reduced.: Dantrolene is the antidote for malignant hyperthermia and should be administered as soon as possible rather than held.
• D. Determine if prescribed antibiotics were administered preoperatively.: This action is not relevant to the immediate management of malignant hyperthermia.