A patient was prescribed heparin sodium 18 units/kg/h; titrate according to the weight-based heparin protocol. The patient's weight is 123 pounds. Heparin 25,000 units/250 mL (100 units/mL) is available. Calculate the flow rate in mL/h (Round to the nearest tenths)

Given:

Value in grams: 5,524 g

To convert grams to kilograms, we need to divide the value by 1000.

Step 1: Divide the value by 1000:

5,524 g / 1000 = 5.524 kg

A) Patients with hypertension
Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is not primarily used to treat hypertension. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is typically managed with antihypertensive medications like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, or calcium channel blockers. LMWH is an anticoagulant, which works to prevent blood clots rather than controlling blood pressure.

B) Patients with asthma
LMWH is not typically used to treat asthma. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that is usually managed with bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) and anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids. While patients with asthma may be at risk for blood clots under certain conditions (e.g., severe asthma exacerbations, immobility), LMWH is not a first-line treatment for asthma.

C) Patients with diabetes
While people with diabetes may be at an increased risk of developing blood clots, LMWH is not specifically used to treat diabetes. Diabetes is typically managed with insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, lifestyle modifications, and other medications to control blood glucose levels. LMWH is an anticoagulant used for conditions that require prevention of clot formation, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

D) Patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
LMWH is commonly prescribed to patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. LMWH is a type of anticoagulant that prevents the formation of further clots by inhibiting factors involved in blood clotting. It is especially effective for patients with DVT or those at high risk for thromboembolic events, such as after surgery or during prolonged immobility. LMWH provides more predictable anticoagulation and requires less frequent monitoring than unfractionated heparin, making it ideal for outpatient management and in hospital settings.