Final answer:
To determine the rate in mL/hr, calculate the total volume of the IV solution plus the flush and divide it by the total time it takes to infuse. The rate in mL/hr for this example is 41.5 mL/hr.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the rate in mL/hr, we need to calculate the total volume of the IV solution plus the flush, and then divide it by the total time it takes to infuse. In this case, the IV medication dosage of 500mg is contained in 3mL, which is then diluted to a total volume of 30mL. This is then infused over 50 minutes, with a 15mL flush to follow. The rate in mL/hr can be calculated as follows:
Total volume = 30mL + 15mL = 45mL
Total time = 50 minutes + 15 minutes (flush) = 65 minutes
Rate in mL/hr = (Total volume / Total time) x 60 minutes / hour
Rate in mL/hr = (45mL / 65 minutes) x 60 minutes / hour = 41.5 mL/hr