A client receives a prescription for heparin 900 units/hr IV. The IV bag contains heparin 25,000 units in 500 mL of 0.45% normal saline.
How many mL/hr should the nurse program the infusion pump to deliver?
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
Problem Breakdown:
The prescription is for 900 units of heparin per hour (900 units/hr). The IV bag contains 25,000 units of heparin in 500 mL of 0.45% normal saline. You need to calculate how many milliliters per hour (mL/hr) the nurse should set the infusion pump to deliver the required dose.
Formula to Use:
To calculate the mL/hr required, use the following formula:Rate (mL/hr)=Desired dose (units/hr)Concentration of heparin in units per mL\text{Rate (mL/hr)} = \frac{\text{Desired dose (units/hr)}}{\text{Concentration of heparin in units per mL}}Rate (mL/hr)=Concentration of heparin in units per mLDesired dose (units/hr)
- Concentration of Heparin in the IV bag: The concentration of heparin in the IV bag can be calculated by dividing the total units of heparin by the total volume of the solution.Concentration=25,000 units500 mL=50 units/mL\text{Concentration} = \frac{25,000 \text{ units}}{500 \text{ mL}} = 50 \text{ units/mL}Concentration=500 mL25,000 units=50 units/mL
- Desired dose: The prescription states that the client needs 900 units of heparin per hour (900 units/hr).
- Calculate the infusion rate: Now, use the concentration to determine how many mL/hr should be delivered:Rate (mL/hr)=900 units/hr50 units/mL=18 mL/hr\text{Rate (mL/hr)} = \frac{900 \text{ units/hr}}{50 \text{ units/mL}} = 18 \text{ mL/hr}Rate (mL/hr)=50 units/mL900 units/hr=18 mL/hr
Final Answer:
The nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver 18 mL/hr.
Explanation:
Heparin is commonly prescribed as a continuous IV infusion for anticoagulation. The rate of administration is critical to ensure that the patient receives the appropriate dose to prevent blood clots without increasing the risk of bleeding. In this scenario, the total concentration of heparin in the IV bag is 50 units/mL, meaning for every milliliter of fluid delivered, the patient receives 50 units of heparin. Since the prescription is for 900 units per hour, dividing that dose by the concentration (50 units/mL) gives us the correct rate of 18 mL/hr. Proper infusion rates ensure therapeutic effectiveness and minimize complications.