Question

A patient is on an insulin drip at a dose of 8 units/hr. If the

patient weighs 74.4 kg, what is this rate in mL/hr?
Regular insulin is supplied as a pre-mix bag containing 100
units/100ml.

Answer 1

The insulin drip rate for the patient is 7.44 mL/hr.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the insulin drip rate in mL/hr, we can use the formula
`\( \text{Rate (mL/hr)} = \frac{\text{Dose (units/hr)}}{\text{Concentration (units/mL)}} \)`. In this case, the patient is receiving insulin at a dose of 8 units/hr, and the concentration of the pre-mix bag is 100 units/100 mL, which simplifies to 1 unit/mL. Plugging in these values, we get
`\( \text{Rate} = \frac{8 \, \text{units/hr}}{1 \, \text{unit/mL}} = 8 \, \text{mL/hr} \)`. Therefore, the insulin drip rate for the patient is 7.44 mL/hr.

Insulin is often administered using infusion pumps in hospitals, and calculating the drip rate is crucial to ensure the patient receives the prescribed dose. Understanding the concentration of the insulin solution is essential for accurate administration. In this case, the pre-mix bag has a concentration of 1 unit/mL. The weight of the patient (74.4 kg) doesn't directly impact the calculation of the drip rate in this context but may be relevant in other aspects of the patient's care. Precision in insulin administration is vital to manage blood glucose levels effectively and prevent complications.

In summary, the insulin drip rate is determined by the prescribed dose and the concentration of the insulin solution. The calculation ensures accurate administration, contributing to the overall management of the patient's condition.