Order: Levaquin 350 mg is added to 500 mL D5W to infuse over 8 hours. Drop factor: 10 gtt/mL. For IV reconstitute with 1o mL. of diluent to get 100 mg per 10 mL. (Consider the medication added in the volume of fluid.) Calculate the rate in gtt/min at which the IV should infuse

Given:

Volume of fluid: 100 mL

Infusion time: 30 minutes

Drop factor: 60 gtt/mL

Formula:

Flow rate (gtt/min) = (Volume (mL) / Time (min)) x Drop factor (gtt/mL)

Step 1: Calculate the infusion rate in mL/min:

Infusion rate (mL/min) = Volume (mL) / Time (min)

Infusion rate (mL/min) = 100 mL / 30 min

Infusion rate (mL/min) = 3.33 mL/min

Step 2: Calculate the flow rate in gtt/min:

Flow rate (gtt/min) = Infusion rate (mL/min) x Drop factor (gtt/mL)

Flow rate (gtt/min) = 3.33 mL/min x 60 gtt/mL

Flow rate (gtt/min) = 200 gtt/min

A) Constipation:
ACE inhibitors primarily affect the cardiovascular system by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a vasoconstrictor. Common side effects of ACE inhibitors include cough, dizziness, or elevated potassium levels, but constipation is not typically associated with these medications.

B) Headache:
While headaches can occasionally occur due to changes in blood pressure or other factors related to ACE inhibitors, it is not considered a hallmark side effect. More commonly, ACE inhibitors are associated with dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when standing up quickly, due to their blood pressure-lowering effects.

C) Nonproductive cough:
A nonproductive cough is the most common and well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors. This occurs in some patients because of the accumulation of bradykinin, a substance that is normally broken down by the enzyme ACE. The buildup of bradykinin can lead to irritation in the airways, resulting in a dry, persistent cough. This side effect can be bothersome for patients and is one of the key reasons why ACE inhibitors might be switched to angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) if the cough becomes intolerable.

D) Chest pain:
While ACE inhibitors work to lower blood pressure and improve heart function, they do not commonly cause chest pain. If a patient experiences chest pain while taking an ACE inhibitor, it is more likely related to other underlying conditions (e.g., heart disease or angina) rather than the medication itself.