Question

A client has an order for heparin 3,500 units in 500 mL D5W to

infuse at a rate of 40 mL/hr. The nurse prepares the IV using the heparin

labeled 100 units per mL and adds 35 mL of heparin to the IV.

a. What error occurred in the preparation of the IV solution and why?

__________________________

b. What preventive measures should the nurse have taken?

Answer 1

3500 units in 500 ml means 7 units/mL.

Infuse rate is 40 ml/hr. This means 280 units/hr.

Nurse has prepared 100 units/mL. So, nurse has prepared incorrect concentration of heparin to prepare IV solution. Heparin concentration of 100 units/mL is used for patency of line and for flushing.

B) In preventive measures, nurse should have read the label very carefully in order to prepare the solutions. Label indicates what the heparin flush is used for. Heparin is high alert medication and nurse could have checked it with another nurse.