A nurse is preparing to administer vancomycin 1 g in 250 ml 0.9% sodium chloride by intermittent IV bolus over 90 min. The nurse should set the IV pump to deliver how many mL/hr? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)
The correct answer and Explanation is :
To calculate the IV pump rate for administering vancomycin 1 g in 250 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride over 90 minutes, you can follow these steps:
- Convert the infusion time to hours:
90 minutes is equivalent to 90/60 = 1.5 hours. - Calculate the rate in mL/hr:
To find the mL/hr rate, divide the total volume (250 ml) by the time in hours (1.5 hours):
[
\text{Rate} = \frac{250 \text{ ml}}{1.5 \text{ hr}} = 166.67 \text{ mL/hr}
] - Round to the nearest whole number:
Rounding 166.67 to the nearest whole number gives us 167 mL/hr.
Final Answer:
The nurse should set the IV pump to deliver 167 mL/hr.
Explanation:
Vancomycin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria, particularly when patients are allergic to penicillin or when the bacteria are resistant. The administration of vancomycin requires careful monitoring, especially regarding the rate of infusion. If infused too quickly, it can cause “Red Man Syndrome,” characterized by flushing and hypotension.
Setting the IV pump correctly ensures a steady delivery of the medication over the prescribed duration, enhancing efficacy while minimizing potential side effects. In this case, the calculated rate of 167 mL/hr is both effective for maintaining therapeutic levels of vancomycin in the bloodstream and safe for the patient.
Nurses play a crucial role in medication administration, requiring accuracy in calculations to ensure patient safety. Furthermore, they should monitor the patient for any adverse reactions during the infusion and assess the effectiveness of the medication post-administration. Understanding the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin, including its dosing, infusion rates, and monitoring parameters, is essential for delivering high-quality nursing care.