The physician ordered 2 mg of epinephrine in 250 mL of D5W. It is to infuse at 4 mcg/minute per infusion pump. What is the correct IV rate in milliliters per hour? Round to the nearest whole number.
A) 28
B) 29
C) 30
D) 31

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: 2 mg/250 mL = 0.008 mg/mL. Next, change milligrams to micrograms: 0.008 mg = 8 mcg/mL (1 mg = 1000 mcg). Divide by 60 to get micrograms per minute: 8 mcg/60 minutes = 0.133 mcg/minute. Estimate the amount to give. Formula Method: 4 mcg/minute ÷ 0.133 mcg/minute * 1 mL = 30.07 mL/hour; round to 30 mL/hour. Proportion (Ratios): 1 mL : 0.133 mcg :: x mL : 4 mcg; 0.133x = 4 mcg/0.133 mcg = 30 mL/hour. Proportion (Fractions): 1 mL/0.133 mcg = x mL/4 mcg; 0.133x = 4 mcg/0.133 mcg = 30 mL/hour. Use two conversion factors for dimensional analysis. Dimensional Analysis: 250 mL/2 mg * 4 mcg/minute * 60 minutes/1 hour * 1 mg/1000 mcg = 250 * 4 * 60 * 1/2 * 1 *1 hour * 1000 = 60,000/2000 = 30 mL/hour.

The Physician Ordered 2 Mg of Epinephrine in 250 ML