A solution of selenium-75, a radioisotope used in the diagnosis of pancreatic disease, is found just prior to administration to have an activity of 44 μCi/mL. If 3.98 mL were delivered intravenously to the patient, what dose of Se-75 (in μCi) did the patient receive?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the given values: the activity of the solution is 44 $\mu \text{Ci/mL}$ and the volume administered is 3.98 mL.
2. Understand that the dose received by the patient is the product of the activity per unit volume and the total volume administered.
3. Set up the equation for the dose: $\text{Dose}=\text{Activity}\times \text{Volume}$.
4. Substitute the given values into the equation: $\text{Dose}=44\mu \text{Ci/mL}\times 3.98\text{ mL}$.
5. Perform the multiplication to find the total dose in $\mu \text{Ci}$.

Key Concepts

Radioactivity

Radioactivity is the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. This decay can be measured in terms of activity, typically expressed in curies (Ci) or microcuries (μCi). Understanding radioactivity is essential for calculating the amount of a radioactive substance administered in medical applications, such as the dosage of selenium-75 in this scenario.

Dosage Calculation

Dosage calculation involves determining the total amount of a substance administered to a patient based on its concentration and the volume delivered. In this case, the activity of selenium-75 is given in μCi/mL, and by multiplying this concentration by the volume administered (3.98 mL), one can find the total dose received by the patient in microcuries.

Intravenous Administration

Intravenous (IV) administration is a method of delivering substances directly into the bloodstream through a vein. This route allows for rapid distribution of medications or radioisotopes, such as selenium-75, ensuring immediate therapeutic effects. Understanding IV administration is crucial for accurately assessing the impact and dosage of the administered substance in clinical settings.