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

A nurse is preparing to administer dobutamine 12 mcg/kg/min by continuous IV infusion to a preterm newborn who weighs 2 kg. Available is dobutamine 250 mg in 500 mL dextrose 5% in water. The nurse should set the IV pump to deliver how many mL/hr?
(Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)
Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is ["2.9"]

Let’s calculate the IV pump rate for administering dobutamine to a preterm newborn.

Step 1 is to convert the dose from mcg/kg/min to mg/kg/min. We know that 1 mg = 1000 mcg, so we have:

12 mcg/kg/min ÷ 1000 = 0.012 mg/kg/min

Step 2 is to calculate the total amount of dobutamine the newborn needs per minute:

0.012 mg/kg/min × 2 kg = 0.024 mg/min

Step 3 is to convert this to an hourly rate:

0.024 mg/min × 60 min/hr = 1.44 mg/hr

Step 4 is to calculate the volume of the solution that contains this amount of dobutamine. We know that 250 mg of dobutamine is dissolved in 500 mL of solution, so:

(1.44 mg/hr ÷ 250 mg) × 500 mL = 2.88 mL/hr

So, the nurse should set the IV pump to deliver approximately 2.9 mL/hr (rounded to the nearest tenth).


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 ["0.25"]

Explanation

Amount of injection in mls = Dose ordered (mg) / Dose available Therefore:

Amount of injection in mls = 0.5 mg Therefore;

Amount of injection in mls = 0.5 mg x 0.5 mL / 1 mg Amount of injection in mls = 0.25 mL

Correct Answer is ["10"]

Explanation

The question is asking for the amount of docusate sodium liquid the nurse should administer per dose. The prescription is for 200 mg/day in two equally divided doses, and the liquid form of the medication is 50 mg/5 mL.

Step 1 is to determine the amount of medication needed per dose. Since the total daily dose is 200 mg and it’s divided into two doses, each dose will be 200 mg ÷ 2 = 100 mg.

Step 2 is to convert this dose from mg to mL using the concentration of the liquid medication. The concentration is 50 mg/5 mL, which means that 1 mL contains 50 mg ÷ 5 = 10 mg of the medication.

Step 3 is to calculate the volume of the medication needed for a 100 mg dose. Since 1 mL contains 10 mg, we need 100 mg ÷ 10 mg/mL = 10 mL.

So, the nurse should administer 10 mL of docusate sodium liquid per dose.

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