Question

A patient weighs 53.1 kg. The order is to infuse 2 mcg/kg/min of a solution whose strength is 250 mg in 250 mL. Calculate dosage (in mcg/min) to the nearest tenth and flow rate (in mL/hr) to the nearest whole number.

Answer 1

The patient's dosage is 106.2 mcg/min, and the flow rate for the IV infusion should be set at 6 mL/hr.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient weighs 53.1 kg, and the medication order is to administer 2 mcg/kg/min of a drug. The strength of the solution is 250 mg in 250 mL. To calculate the dosage in mcg/min:

Dosage (mcg/min) = 2 mcg/kg/min × 53.1 kg = 106.2 mcg/min ≈ 106.2 mcg/min → Rounded to the nearest tenth, the dosage is 106.2 mcg/min.

To calculate the flow rate in mL/hr, which must be rounded to the nearest whole number:

Flow rate (mL/hr) = (Dosage in mcg/min × 60 min/hr) / (Strength of solution in mcg/mL)
= (106.2 mcg/min × 60 min/hr) / (250 mg/250 mL × 1000 mcg/mg)
= (106.2 × 60) / (250 / 250 × 1000)
= 6360 / 1000 ≈ 6.36 mL/hr → Rounded to the nearest whole number, the flow rate is 6 mL/hr.