The patient is receiving nitroglycerin 55 mcg/min.

Available: Nitroglycerin in 5% Dextrose Injection 25 mg per 250 mL (100 mcg/mL)

What is the flow rate?

1. Convert patient weight from pounds to kilograms:

Patient weight (kg) = 152 lb x 0.453592 kg/lb = 68.94 kg

2. Calculate the desired dose in mcg/min:

Desired dose (mcg/min) = 5 mcg/kg/min x 68.94 kg = 344.7 mcg/min

3. Convert mcg/min to mg/min:

Desired dose (mg/min) = 344.7 mcg/min / 1000 mcg/mg = 0.3447 mg/min

4. Calculate the concentration of dobutamine in the solution:

Concentration (mg/mL) = 500 mg / 250 mL = 2 mg/mL

5. Calculate the flow rate in mL/min:

Flow rate (mL/min) = Desired dose (mg/min) / Concentration (mg/mL)

Flow rate (mL/min) = 0.3447 mg/min / 2 mg/mL = 0.17235 mL/min

6. Calculate the flow rate in mL/hr:

Flow rate (mL/hr) = 0.17235 mL/min x 60 min/hr = 10.341 mL/hr

7. Round to the nearest tenth:

Flow rate (mL/hr) = 10.3 mL/hr

Therefore, the correct answer is 10.4 mL/hr

A) Neutropenia
Neutropenia refers to an abnormally low level of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. While certain medications, such as chemotherapy agents and some antipsychotic drugs, can cause neutropenia, atenolol (a beta-blocker) is not typically associated with this side effect. Atenolol primarily affects the cardiovascular system by reducing heart rate and blood pressure, and it is not known to cause significant changes in white blood cell counts.

B) Bradycardia
Bradycardia, or a slower-than-normal heart rate, is a well-known and common adverse effect of beta-blockers, including atenolol. Beta-blockers work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, which decreases the heart rate and the force of contraction, as well as lowering blood pressure. In some individuals, this can lead to excessively low heart rates, which could be dangerous if the heart rate drops too much. Bradycardia can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or fatigue, and may require dose adjustments or discontinuation of the medication

C) Anemia
Anemia, which is a condition characterized by a low red blood cell count or low hemoglobin levels, is generally not a common adverse effect of atenolol. While certain medications like some chemotherapeutic agents, NSAIDs, or antibiotics may cause anemia due to their effects on the bone marrow or by causing gastrointestinal bleeding, atenolol is not typically linked to this side effect.

D) Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) is typically associated with the use of diuretics or other medications that cause the kidneys to excrete more potassium, such as some classes of antibiotics and corticosteroids. However, atenolol, being a beta-blocker, does not directly affect potassium levels.