The physician ordered 50 mg of Nipride (nitroprusside sodium) in 250 mL of D5W. It is to infuse at 3 mcg/kg/minute per infusion pump. The patient/client weighs 60 kg. What is the correct IV rate in milliliters per hour? Round to the nearest whole number.
A) 52
B) 53
C) 54
D) 55

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, determine how many micrograms per minute to infuse based on the patient/client's weight. Multiply: 60 kg * 3 mcg/minute = 180 mcg/minute. Next, reduce the numbers in the standard solution to milligrams per milliliter: 50 mg/250 mL = 0.2 mg/1 mL. Then, change milligrams to micrograms: 0.2 mg/mL = 200 mcg/mL (1 mg = 1000 mcg). Divide by 60 to get micrograms per minute: 200 mcg/60 minutes = 3.33 mcg/minute. Estimate the amount to give. Round to the nearest whole number. Formula Method: 180 mcg/minute ÷ 3.33 mcg/minute * 1 mL = 54.05 = 54 mL/hour; Proportion (Ratios): 1 mL : 3.33 mcg :: x mL : 180 mcg; 3.33x = 180/3.33 = 54 mL. Proportion (Fractions): 1 mL/3.33 mcg = x mL/180 mcg; 3.33x = 180/3.33 = 54 mL. Use two conversion factors for dimensional analysis. Dimensional Analysis: 250 mL/50 mg *180 mcg/1 minute *60 minutes/1 hour * 1 mg/1000 mcg = 250 mL *180 * 60 *1/50 * 1 hour * 1000 = 2,700,000/50,000 = 54 mL/hour.

The Physician Ordered 50 Mg of Nipride (Nitroprusside Sodium) in 250