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 D
Explanation
The nurse should administer 0.5 mL to the patient.
This answer is correct because it is based on a simple ratio and proportion calculation. The nurse can set up a proportion as follows:
2 mg / 1 mL = 1 mg / x mL
Cross-multiplying and solving for x gives:
x = 0.5 mL
Therefore, the nurse should administer 0.5 mL of Stadol injection to deliver 1 mg of the medication to the patient.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
To find how much medication to administer, you need to calculate the following:
- The volume of diphenhydramine in milliliters
- The infusion time in minutes
First, divide the dose of diphenhydramine by the concentration to get the volume in milliliters:
25 mg / 50 mg/mL = 0.5 mL diphenhydramine should be diluted in 10 to 20 mL of normal saline and infused over at least 2 minutes.
Therefore, the nurse should administer **0.5 mL** of diphenhydramine diluted in 10 to 20 mL of normal saline over **at least 2 minutes**.
The nurse should administer this medication **as soon as possible** after receiving the order and the medication from the pharmacy, as STAT means immediately or urgently. The nurse should also monitor the client for signs of improvement or adverse reactions.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
