A client who weighs 211.2 pounds receives a prescription for heparin 80 units/kg intravenous (IV) bolus for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). How many units should the nurse administer? (Enter numerical value only.)
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
To determine how many units of heparin should be administered to the client, follow these steps:
1. Convert Weight from Pounds to Kilograms
First, convert the client’s weight from pounds to kilograms, since the heparin dosage is prescribed in units per kilogram.
- Conversion factor: 1 pound = 0.453592 kilograms.
- Client’s weight: 211.2 pounds.
Weight in kilograms=211.2 pounds×0.453592 kg/pound≈95.8 kg\text{Weight in kilograms} = 211.2 \text{ pounds} \times 0.453592 \text{ kg/pound} \approx 95.8 \text{ kg}Weight in kilograms=211.2 pounds×0.453592 kg/pound≈95.8 kg
2. Calculate the Heparin Dose
The prescription is for 80 units of heparin per kilogram of body weight. Multiply the weight in kilograms by the units per kilogram.
- Dose per kilogram: 80 units/kg.
- Weight in kilograms: 95.8 kg.
Total dose=80 units/kg×95.8 kg≈7664 units\text{Total dose} = 80 \text{ units/kg} \times 95.8 \text{ kg} \approx 7664 \text{ units}Total dose=80 units/kg×95.8 kg≈7664 units
Summary
The nurse should administer approximately 7664 units of heparin.
Explanation
1. Weight Conversion: The weight conversion is crucial because medication dosages are often calculated based on kilograms rather than pounds. The conversion ensures that the dosage calculation is accurate and follows medical guidelines.
2. Dosage Calculation: Heparin dosage is typically individualized based on the patient’s weight to achieve therapeutic levels without causing excessive bleeding. By multiplying the weight in kilograms by the prescribed units per kilogram, you ensure that the client receives the appropriate dose tailored to their body weight.
3. Importance in Clinical Practice: Accurate dosage calculation is essential to effective and safe patient care. Administering the correct dose of heparin is vital for treating conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) while minimizing the risk of side effects such as bleeding. The calculations must be precise to avoid errors that could lead to underdosing (which may be ineffective) or overdosing (which can cause severe complications).
By carefully performing these calculations, the nurse ensures that the medication is administered safely and effectively.