The physician ordered lidocaine 2 g in 500 mL of D5W. It is to infuse at 1 mg/minute per infusion pump. What is the correct IV flow rate in milliliters per hour?
A) 5
B) 10
C) 15
D) 20

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 two-part problem. Begin by changing 1 mg/minute to 60 mg/hour (60 minutes = 1 hour) and 2 g to 2000 mg (1 mg = 1000 mg). Estimate the amount to give. Formula Method: 60 mg/hour ÷ 2000 mg * 500 mL = 30,000/2000 = 15 mL/hour. Proportion (Ratios): 500 mL : 2000 mg :: x mL : 60 mg; 2000x = 30,000/2000 = 15 mL/hour. Proportion (Fractions): 500 mL/2000 mg = x mL/60 mg; 2000x = 30,000/2000 = 15 mL/hour. Use two conversion factors for dimensional analysis. Dimensional Analysis: 500 mL/2 g * 1 mg/1 minute * 1 g/1000 mg * 60 minutes/1 hour = 500 mL * 60/2 *1 * 1000 * 1 = 30,000 mL/2000 hours = 15 mL/hour.

The Physician Ordered Lidocaine 2 G in 500 ML of D5W