Your protocols call for a dopamine infusion beginning at 5 micrograms per kilogram per minute. You estimate that your patient weighs 190 pounds. Using a standard dopamine concentration of 800 mg in 500 mL, at what drip rate (in drops/minute) will you need to administer the infusion using microdrip tubing?
A) 27
B) 432
C) 4
D) 16

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

First, convert the patient's weight from pounds to kilograms: 190 lbs / 2.2 = approximately 86.36 kg. The dosage is 5 micrograms/kg/min, so the total dosage is 5 mcg x 86.36 kg = 431.8 mcg/min. Since the concentration is 800 mg in 500 mL, convert 800 mg to mcg (800,000 mcg) to keep units consistent. The concentration is then 800,000 mcg/500 mL = 1600 mcg/mL. To find the mL/min, divide the total dosage by the concentration: 431.8 mcg/min / 1600 mcg/mL = 0.27 mL/min. Using microdrip tubing (60 drops/mL), the drip rate is 0.27 mL/min x 60 drops/mL = 16.2 drops/min, which rounds to 16 drops/min.

Your Protocols Call for a Dopamine Infusion Beginning at 5