The physician ordered 250 mg of Dobutrex (dobutamine) in 500 mL of D5W. It is to infuse at 3 mcg/kg/minute per infusion pump. The patient/client weighs 80 kg. What is the correct IV rate in milliliters per hour? Round to the nearest whole number.
A) 26
B) 27
C) 28
D) 29

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: 80 kg* 3 mcg/minute = 240 mcg/minute. Next, reduce the numbers in the standard solution to milligrams per milliliter: 250 mg/500 mL = 0.5 mg/1 mL. Then, change milligrams to micrograms: 0.5 mg/mL = 500 mcg/mL (1 mg = 1000 mcg). Divide by 60 to get micrograms per minute: 500 mcg/60 minutes = 8.33 mcg/minute. Estimate the amount to give. Round to the nearest whole number. Formula Method: 240 mcg/minute ÷ 8.33 mcg/minute *1 mL = 28.81 mL/hour = 29 mL/hour. Proportion (Ratios): 1 mL : 8.33 mcg :: x mL : 240 mcg; 8.33x = 240/8.33 = 29 mL. Proportion (Fractions): 1 mL/8.33 mcg = x mL/240 mcg; 8.33x = 240/8.33 = 29 mL. Use two conversion factors for dimensional analysis. Dimensional Analysis: 500 mL/250 mg * 240 mcg/1 minute * 60 minutes/1 hour * 1 mg/1000 mcg = 500 mL * 240 * 60 * 1/ 250 * 1 hour * 1000 = 7,200,000/250,000 = 29 mL/hour.

The Physician Ordered 250 Mg of Dobutrex (Dobutamine) in 500