Question

What is the order to place 20 mEq of potassium chloride in 1000 mL of fluid to be administered at a rate of 2 mEq of potassium chloride per hour?

a) 20 mL/hr
b) 2 mL/hr
c) 40 mL/hr
d) 10 mL/hr

Answer 1

To administer 20 mEq of potassium chloride in 1000 mL of fluid at a rate of 2 mEq/hr, the correct order is to place it at a rate of 10 mL/hr.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the order to place 20 mEq of potassium chloride in 1000 mL of fluid to be administered at a rate of 2 mEq/hr, we need to calculate how many hours it will take to administer the full amount. Equation: Rate = Amount / Time. Rearranging the equation, Time = Amount / Rate. Plugging in the values, Time = 20 mEq / 2 mEq/hr = 10 hours.

Since the fluid needs to be administered over 10 hours, we need to divide 1000 mL by 10 hours to find the flow rate. Flow Rate = Volume / Time. Plugging in the values, Flow Rate = 1000 mL / 10 hours = 100 mL/hr.

Therefore, the correct order to place 20 mEq of potassium chloride in 1000 mL of fluid to be administered at a rate of 2 mEq/hr is d) 10 mL/hr, since the flow rate is 100 mL/hr and we need to administer the full 20 mEq over a period of 10 hours.