A healthcare provider orders nitroprusside (100 mg/1 mL) 3 mcg/kg/minute for a patient weighing 154 lb. What rate (mL/hr) should the nurse program into the IV pump?
126 mL/hr
1.26 mL/hr
1260 mL/hr
12.6 mL/hr
The Correct Answer is B
First, we need to convert the patient's weight from pounds to kilograms using the conversion factor 1 kg =
2.2 lb:
154 lb / 2.2 lb/kg = 70 kg
Next, we need to calculate the dose of nitroprusside in mcg/min using the formula Dose = Weight × Dosage:
Dose = 70 kg × 3 mcg/kg/min = 210 mcg/min
Then, we need to convert the dose of nitroprusside from mcg/min to mg/hr using the conversion factor 1 mg = 1000 mcg:
210 mcg/min × 1 mg/1000 mcg × 60 min/hr = 12.6 mg/hr
Finally, we need to calculate the rate of nitroprusside in mL/hr using the formula Rate = Dose/Concentration:
Rate = 12.6 mg/hr / 100 mg/mL = 0.126 mL/hr
To round to the nearest hundredth, we get 0.13 mL/hr, which is approximately equal to 1.26 mL/hr.
Therefore, the nurse should program the IV pump to deliver nitroprusside at a rate of 1.26 mL/hr.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
To set the IV pump correctly, you need to calculate the following:
- The patient's weight in kilograms
- The dose of Zofran in milligrams
- The infusion rate in milliliters per hour
First, convert the patient's weight from pounds to kilograms by dividing by 2.2:
176 lb / 2.2 = 80 kg
Next, multiply the patient's weight by the dose of Zofran per kilogram to get the total dose in milligrams:
80 kg x 0.15 mg/kg = 12 mg
Then, use the formula for infusion rate to find how many milliliters per hour the IV pump should deliver:
Infusion rate (mL/h) = (Total volume (mL) x Flow factor (gt/mL)) / Time (min) x 60 min/h
Since the medication is mixed in 50 mL of normal saline and the infusion time is 15 minutes, plug in these values into the formula:
Infusion rate (mL/h) = (50 mL x 1 gt/mL) / 15 min x 60 min/h
Simplify and solve for the infusion rate:
Infusion rate (mL/h) = 200 mL/h
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A lozenge is a type of medication that is designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth, usually to treat sore throat, cough, or oral infections. It should not be divided or crushed for administration because it may alter its effectiveness, taste, or absorption. It should also not be swallowed whole because it may cause choking or irritation.
A capsule is a type of medication that consists of a gelatin shell enclosing a powder or liquid. It can be opened and sprinkled on soft food or mixed with water for administration unless it is an extended-release or enteric-coated capsule.
A scored tablet is a type of medication that has a groove or indentation on its surface to facilitate breaking into equal halves or quarters. It can be divided along the score line for administration unless it is an extended-release or enteric-coated tablet.
An unscored tablet is a type of medication that does not have a groove or indentation on its surface. It can be crushed or cut into smaller pieces for administration unless it is an extended-release or enteric-coated tablet.

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