A client is receiving a 200 mL bolus of 0.9% normal saline (NS) to be infused over 20 minutes. The nurse should set the infusion pump to deliver how many mL/hour? (Enter numeric value only.)
The correct answer and Explanation is:
To determine the infusion rate in mL/hour, you can use the following formula:
[
\text{Infusion rate (mL/hour)} = \frac{\text{Volume to be infused (mL)}}{\text{Time (hours)}}
]
In this case:
- Volume to be infused = 200 mL
- Time = 20 minutes (which needs to be converted into hours)
First, convert 20 minutes into hours:
[
20 \, \text{minutes} = \frac{20}{60} \, \text{hours} = \frac{1}{3} \, \text{hours} \approx 0.333 \, \text{hours}
]
Now, apply the formula:
[
\text{Infusion rate} = \frac{200 \, \text{mL}}{0.333 \, \text{hours}} \approx 600 \, \text{mL/hour}
]
Thus, the nurse should set the infusion pump to 600 mL/hour.
Explanation:
When delivering fluids via an infusion pump, the rate of infusion is calculated in milliliters per hour (mL/hour). In this scenario, 200 mL of 0.9% normal saline (NS) needs to be infused over 20 minutes. However, infusion pumps typically operate on an hourly rate, so it’s necessary to convert the given time from minutes to hours.
Once you have the time in hours, you can divide the total volume (200 mL) by the time in hours (0.333 hours). This gives you the rate of infusion in mL/hour, which is 600 mL/hour. Setting the pump at this rate ensures that the 200 mL will be infused evenly over the prescribed 20-minute period.
Understanding how to calculate infusion rates is essential for safe medication and fluid administration, ensuring the patient receives the correct amount over the correct duration.