Question

The client is prescribed a medication at 4 mcg/kg/min. The adult client weighs 83 kg. The solution used has a strength of 100 mg in 250 mL. How many mcg/min will this client receive? What will you set your pump for?

Answer 1

ANSWER.

* Calculation of mcg/min will the client receive.

            Ordered dose = 4mcg/kg/min.

             Weight of the patient = 83 kg.

    Dose required for patient weight 83 kg = 4 * 83

                                                                  = 332 mcg/min.

* Calculation of pump set(ml/hr) for drug administration.

          ml/hr = Volume(ml) / Time.

      Calculation of volume.

           Volume(ml) = Desired dose(D)/Dose in hand(H) * Quantity(Q).

Here

    Desired dose(D) = 332 mcg/min.

    Dose in hand(H) = 100 mg.

Convert mg to mcg for calculation

         1 mg = 1000 mcg

So

   Dose in hand(H) = 100000 mcg.

         Quantity(Q) = 250 ml.

As per above formula

     Volume(ml) of drug required = D/H * Q

                                                   = 332/100000 * 250

                                                   = 0.003 * 250

                                                   = 0.8 ml.

                         Time = 1 min.

   Convert ml/min to ml/hr by multiply with 60

               ml/hr = 0.8 * 60

                       = 48 ml/hr.