NREMT Paramedic Practice

How many mEq of calcium chloride are contained in a 10 mL of a 10% solution?

1. 6.8 mEq

2. 10.0 mEq

3. 13.6 mEq

4. 15.6 mEq

The correct answer is: 13.6 mEq

To determine the number of milliequivalents (mEq) of calcium chloride in a 10 mL of a 10% solution, we need to understand how to break down the components of the solution. A 10% solution of calcium chloride means there are 10 grams of calcium chloride in 100 mL of solution. Therefore, in 10 mL, the amount of calcium chloride can be calculated as follows: 10 grams/100 mL = 0.1 grams/mL In 10 mL, this results in: 10 mL x 0.1 grams/mL = 1 gram of calcium chloride. Next, we need to convert grams of calcium chloride to milliequivalents. The molecular weight of calcium chloride (CaCl₂) is approximately 147 grams/mol. Since calcium chloride dissociates into one calcium ion (Ca²⁺) and two chloride ions (Cl⁻), the valence of calcium is +2. To find the mEq, we use the formula: \[ \text{mEq} = \left( \frac{\text{grams}}{\text{molecular weight}} \right) \times \text{valence} \