Question

A patient is receiving Heparin 600 units/hr per infusion pump. A solution of Heparin 25,000 units in 500 mL 5% Dextrose is hanging. In order to give this patient 600 units/hr, the nurse knows that the infusion pump should be set at ___ mL/hr.

Answer 1

To administer 600 units of Heparin per hour using a 25,000 units in 500 mL solution, the infusion pump should be set at 12 mL/hr.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves calculating the flow rate of an infusion pump to administer the correct dose of medication to a patient. To determine the infusion pump setting to deliver 600 units of Heparin per hour using a solution with a concentration of 25,000 units per 500 mL, we use the following calculation:

First, calculate the concentration of the solution:

• 25,000 units / 500 mL = 50 units per mL

Now, determine how many mL are needed to deliver 600 units:

• 600 units / 50 units/mL = 12 mL

Therefore, the nurse should set the infusion pump at 12 mL/hr to deliver 600 units of Heparin per hour to the patient.