How it Works
Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (Free-Trial)

A client is receiving heparin intravenous (IV) at a rate of 1,800 units/hour. The IV solution is labeled, "Heparin Sodium 20,000 Units in 5% Dextrose Injection 500 mL* After receiving the partial thromboplastin time (PTT) result, the healthcare provider prescribes an Increase of 5 mL/hour in the IV rate. The nurse should set the infusion pump to deliver how many mL/hour? (Enter numeric value only.)
Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is ["50"]

First, let’s calculate the current infusion rate in mL/hour. 

The IV solution contains 20,000 units of heparin in 500 mL, so the concentration is:

Concentration = Total units/ Total volume ​= 20,000 units /500 mL ​= 40 units/mL

The client is currently receiving 1,800 units/hour. At a concentration of 40 units/mL, this dosage is equivalent to:

Current rate = Dose/ Concentration ​= 1,800 units/hour​  / 40 units/mL = 45 mL/hour

The healthcare provider prescribed an increase of 5 mL/hour in the IV rate. Therefore, the new rate should be:

New rate = Current rate + Increase = 45 mL/hour + 5 mL/hour = 50 mL/hour

So, the nurse should set the infusion pump to deliver 50 mL/hour. If rounding is required, this is already rounded to the nearest whole number.


Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Free Nursing Study Resources

Related Questions

Correct Answer is ["1.2"]

Explanation

Here's the breakdown of the calculation:

Convert the prescribed dose to milligrams (mg):

We are given the dose in mcg (micrograms). To match the concentration of the medication (mg/mL), we need to convert mcg to mg.

Conversion factor: 1 mg = 1000 mcg

Dose (mg) = Prescribed dose (mcg) / Conversion factor

Dose (mg) = 0.6 mg / 1000 mcg/mg

Dose (mg) = 0.0006 mg (convert to mg for easier calculation)

Calculate the volume to administer:

We know the dose (mg) and the concentration (mg/mL) of the medication in the vial.

Volume (mL) = Dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL)

Volume (mL) = 0.0006 mg / (500 mcg/mL) (convert mcg/mL to mg/mL for consistency)

Volume (mL) = 0.0006 mg / (0.5 mg/mL)

Volume (mL) = 0.0012 mL (round to one decimal place as appropriate for medication administration)

Adjust for unit size:

The medication vial contains 2 mL, and we calculated a volume of 0.0012 mL.

However, it's not possible or safe to administer such a small fraction of the vial content.

In practice, the nurse would need to administer the smallest measurable volume possible using this specific vial.

Since the vial contains 2 mL, 1.2 mL is the lowest whole number volume that can be accurately measured and administered from this vial.

Therefore, while the calculated dose based on the prescribed amount is 0.0012 mL, the nurse should administer 1.2 mL from the available 2 mL vial.

Correct Answer is ["100"]

Explanation

Here's how to calculate the infusion rate (mL/hour) for the cefazolin administration:

1. We know:

Total volume of cefazolin solution (including 0.9% sodium chloride): 50 mL (given)

Amount of cefazolin to administer: 1 gram (convert to mg for calculation) = 1 g * 1000 mg/g = 1000 mg

Infusion time: 30 minutes (given) = 30 minutes / 60 minutes/hour = 0.5 hours

2. We need to find:

Infusion rate (mL/hour)

3. Calculation:

The medication (cefazolin) is diluted in sodium chloride solution, but the total volume (50 mL) includes both. We only need to administer this entire volume over the specified time.

Infusion rate (mL/hour) = Total volume of solution (mL) / Infusion time (hours)

Infusion rate (mL/hour) = 50 mL / 0.5 hours

Infusion rate (mL/hour) = 100 mL/hour

Therefore, the nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver 100 mL/hour.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Register