A client with dehydration is prescribed a potassium chloride infusion at 10 mEq/hr. Potassium chloride 80 mEq is mixed with 1 liter of normal saline. The nurse should regulate the infusion pump to deliver how many mL/hour? (Enter numeric value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest whole number.)
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
To determine the correct infusion rate in mL/hour, we need to calculate how many mL of the solution contain the prescribed 10 mEq of potassium chloride.
Step-by-Step Calculation:
- Understand the Prescription:
- The prescription is for 10 mEq/hr of potassium chloride.
- The concentration provided is 80 mEq of potassium chloride in 1 liter (1000 mL) of normal saline.
- Calculate the Concentration:
- Since 80 mEq is in 1000 mL, the concentration is: Concentration=80 mEq1000 mL=0.08 mEq/mL\text{Concentration} = \frac{80 \text{ mEq}}{1000 \text{ mL}} = 0.08 \text{ mEq/mL}Concentration=1000 mL80 mEq=0.08 mEq/mL
- Determine the Volume Required to Deliver 10 mEq/hr:
- We want to deliver 10 mEq per hour. To find the volume (in mL) that contains 10 mEq: Volume=10 mEq0.08 mEq/mL=125 mL\text{Volume} = \frac{10 \text{ mEq}}{0.08 \text{ mEq/mL}} = 125 \text{ mL}Volume=0.08 mEq/mL10 mEq=125 mL
- Therefore, to administer 10 mEq/hr of potassium chloride, the infusion pump should be set to deliver 125 mL/hour.
Final Answer:
The nurse should regulate the infusion pump to deliver 125 mL/hour.
Explanation:
Potassium chloride is often prescribed for clients who are dehydrated or have a potassium deficit. It is crucial to ensure the correct infusion rate to avoid complications, such as hyperkalemia, which can lead to severe cardiac issues. The calculation involves determining how much volume of the solution contains the prescribed potassium dosage. Since the concentration was given as 80 mEq in 1 liter (1000 mL), the calculation required converting the desired potassium dosage (10 mEq/hr) into the corresponding volume in mL, leading to a rate of 125 mL/hour. This calculation must be precise, as errors in potassium chloride administration can have serious consequences. Always ensure the infusion pump is accurately programmed to deliver the correct dose.