How should 1000 mg of Lidocaine be prepared for administration?

To prepare 1000 mg of Lidocaine for administration, mixing it into a 250 mL solution of normal saline (NS) for a 4:1 concentration is the correct approach. In this case, a concentration of 4:1 indicates that for every 1 part of Lidocaine, there are 4 parts of the diluent, which enhances the suitability for intravenous administration.

This preparation allows for a therapeutic dose of Lidocaine to be delivered effectively while ensuring that the solution's volume is manageable for administration and minimizes the risk of rapid infusion side effects. The concentration is beneficial for a controlled and steady infusion rate, which is critical when using Lidocaine, particularly when addressing issues such as arrhythmias or pain management.

Using other diluents or volumes may alter the intended concentration or efficiency of the Lidocaine, potentially leading to subtherapeutic dosing or adverse effects from higher concentrations that are not as easily managed. Thus, the choice to mix it specifically with NS and achieve a 4:1 concentration is the most appropriate method for safe and effective lidocaine administration.