The physician gives orders to infuse 1 unit (250 mL) of packed red blood cells over 4 hours. Calculate the flow rate in milliliters per hour.
62.5 mL/hr
125 mL/hr
250 mL/hr
500 mL/hr
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Flow rate is volume divided by time; 250 mL over 4 hours equals 62.5 mL/hr, ensuring safe transfusion pacing to avoid fluid overload or hemolysis.
Choice B reason: 125 mL/hr assumes 250 mL over 2 hours; this doubles the ordered rate, risking circulatory overload and transfusion reactions in a standard protocol.
Choice C reason: 250 mL/hr infuses the unit in 1 hour; this rapid rate exceeds safe limits, potentially causing hypertension or pulmonary edema in vulnerable patients.
Choice D reason: 500 mL/hr is far too fast, implying 250 mL in 30 minutes; this dangerous speed could trigger severe hemolytic reactions or cardiovascular collapse.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Step 1 is 2 hours × 60 minutes = 120 minutes.
Step 2 is (250 mL ÷ 120 minutes) × 15 gtts/mL.
Step 3 is 2.08333 mL/min × 15 gtts/mL = 31.24995 gtts/min.
Step 4 is 31.24995 rounded to the nearest whole number is 31.
The final calculated answer is 31 gtts/min.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Consulting ensures safety; not all drugs can be altered, and the provider adjusts the order, preventing errors in bioavailability or efficacy.
Choice B reason: Liquid may work, but without approval, it’s unauthorized; some drugs lack liquid forms, and this bypasses necessary prescriber oversight.
Choice C reason: Parenteral needs an order change; administering without it violates scope, and it’s invasive, escalating care unnecessarily as a first step.
Choice D reason: Crushing alters pharmacokinetics; many tablets (e.g., extended-release) can’t be crushed, and doing so without checking risks toxicity or inefficacy.
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