Order: Packed RBCs 360 mL to infuse over 3 hours. What flow rate should you set on the infusion pump in mU/hr?

Calculation:

• Identify the ordered dose and tablet strength

Ordered Dose: 40 mg

Tablet Strength: 20 mg per tablet

• Calculate the number of tablets to administer

Number of Tablets = Ordered Dose ÷ Tablet Strength

Number of Tablets = 40 ÷ 20

= 2

A. To provide additional electrolytes during imbalance correction: While IV fluids may contain electrolytes, bolus administration is not typically used to correct gradual electrolyte imbalances. Electrolyte replacement is usually done more slowly to avoid complications like hypernatremia or hyperkalemia.

B. To maintain normal blood pressure in hypertensive patients: Bolus IV fluids are not indicated for managing hypertension. Rapid fluid administration could worsen blood pressure control in these patients.

C. To rapidly replace fluid loss due to dehydration or trauma: A large-volume IV bolus delivers fluids quickly to restore intravascular volume, improve perfusion, and prevent shock. This intervention is essential in acute dehydration, hemorrhage, or trauma to stabilize hemodynamics.

D. To treat hypothermia by warming the body rapidly: Warming fluids may assist in hypothermia management, but the primary purpose of a bolus is volume expansion, not rapid temperature correction. Warming alone is addressed separately.