The physician ordered Intropin (dopamine) 400 mg in 250 mL of D5W. It is to infuse at 100 mcg/minute per infusion pump. What is the correct IV rate in milliliters per hour? Round to the nearest whole number.
A) 4
B) 6
C) 8
D) 10

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When solving any problem, first check that the order and the supply are in the same weight measure. For this problem, an equivalent is necessary. This is a multi-step problem. First, reduce the numbers in the standard solution to milligrams per milliliter: 400 mg/250 mL = 1.6 mg/mL. Next, change 1.6 mg to 1600 mcg. Divide by 60 minutes to get micrograms per minute: 1600 mcg/60 minutes = 26.67 mcg/minute. Estimate the amount to give. Round to the nearest whole number. Formula Method: 100 mcg/minute ÷ 26.67 mcg/minute * 1 mL = 3.749 mL/hour; round to 4 mL/hour. Proportion (Ratios): 1 mL : 26.67 mcg :: x mL : 100 mcg; 26.67x = 100 mcg/26.67 mcg = 4 mL/hour. Proportion (Fractions): 1 mL/26.67 mcg = x mL/100 mg; 26.67x = 100 mcg/26.67 mcg = 4 mL/hour. Use two conversion factors for dimensional analysis. Dimensional Analysis: 250 mL/400 mg *100 mcg/1 minute *60 minutes/1 hour * 1 mg/1000 mcg; 250 mL *100 *60 * 1/400 * 1 * 1 hour * 1000 = 1,500,000 mL/400,000 = 4 mL/hour.

The Physician Ordered Intropin (Dopamine) 400 Mg in 250 ML