A postpartum patient is receiving magnesium sulfate at a rate of 2g/hour. The concentration is 40g in 1000mL. Calculate the flow rate in milliliters per hour.
The correct answer and explanation is:
To calculate the flow rate in milliliters per hour, we need to determine how much of the magnesium sulfate solution should be administered per hour to achieve the prescribed dose of 2g per hour.
Step-by-Step Calculation:
- Concentration: The concentration of the magnesium sulfate solution is given as 40g in 1000mL.
- Find the amount of solution needed to administer 2g of magnesium sulfate:
Since 40g of magnesium sulfate is in 1000mL, we can set up a proportion to find out how many milliliters contain 2g: 40g1000mL=2gxmL\frac{40\text{g}}{1000\text{mL}} = \frac{2\text{g}}{x\text{mL}} Where xx is the number of milliliters required to administer 2g. - Solve for xx:
Cross-multiply and solve for xx: 40⋅x=2⋅100040 \cdot x = 2 \cdot 1000 x=200040x = \frac{2000}{40} x=50mLx = 50\text{mL} - Flow Rate: The patient needs 50mL per hour to receive 2g of magnesium sulfate.
Final Answer:
The flow rate required to administer 2g of magnesium sulfate per hour is 50 milliliters per hour.
Explanation:
Magnesium sulfate is often used in the postpartum period, especially for preventing seizures in patients with preeclampsia or eclampsia. The calculation above uses a simple proportion to find the flow rate based on the concentration of the solution and the required dose. Understanding this flow rate is crucial to ensure the patient receives the correct amount of magnesium sulfate at the correct speed, preventing both underdosage and overdose. By calculating the flow rate in milliliters per hour, healthcare professionals can set the infusion pump correctly to administer the medication safely and effectively.