A client is receiving a secondary infusion of erythromycin 1 grams in 100 mL dextrose 5% in water (DW) to be infused in 30 minutes.
How many mL/hour should the nurse program the infusion pump?
The correct answer and Explanation is :
To calculate the infusion rate for the erythromycin solution, we need to determine how many milliliters per hour (mL/hour) should be delivered to infuse 100 mL in 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Calculation
- Determine the total volume to be infused:
The volume of erythromycin to be infused is 100 mL. - Determine the time for infusion:
The infusion is to be completed in 30 minutes. To convert this into hours:
[
30 \text{ minutes} = \frac{30}{60} = 0.5 \text{ hours}
] - Calculate the infusion rate:
To find the rate in mL/hour, we use the formula:
[
\text{Infusion Rate (mL/hour)} = \frac{\text{Total Volume (mL)}}{\text{Time (hours)}}
]
Plugging in the values:
[
\text{Infusion Rate} = \frac{100 \text{ mL}}{0.5 \text{ hours}} = 200 \text{ mL/hour}
]
Conclusion
The nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver the erythromycin solution at a rate of 200 mL/hour.
Explanation
Infusion pumps are critical in healthcare for delivering precise volumes of medication over specified time intervals. Correctly calculating the infusion rate ensures that the client receives the intended dosage efficiently and safely. In this case, the goal is to administer 1 gram of erythromycin in a total volume of 100 mL of dextrose 5% in water. Administering it over 30 minutes helps maintain therapeutic drug levels while minimizing potential side effects associated with rapid infusions.
By setting the pump to 200 mL/hour, the nurse guarantees that the client receives the complete dosage of medication within the designated time frame, aligning with safe nursing practices and pharmacological guidelines. Proper monitoring during the infusion is also essential to observe for any adverse reactions or complications related to the medication or the infusion process itself.