Question

9. The cardiologist orders Ralph to receive heparin according to the following: 80 units/kg IVP once (this is called a bolus dose), then 18 units/kg/hr infusion. Ralph weighs 231 pounds. You have the following available to you: heparin 20,000 units in 250 mL D5W and 1-mL vials of heparin that is 5000 units/mL. How many mL will you bolus Ralph with? You'll then set the infusion up on a pump; how many mL per hour will you set the pump rate?

Answer 1

Patients weight = 231 pounds (lb)

1kg = 2.2 lb

231 lb =231$\div$2.2lb = 105 kg

heparin available = 20000 units in 250 ml D5W

Available heparin dose =5000/ml

Bolus dose prescribed = 80 units/kg

ie 80 x105 kg = 8500 units

bolus to be given = (Prescribed dose$\div$Amount in hand) x quantity

=(8500$\div$5000) x 1

=1.7 ml

infusion precsribed = 18 units/kg/hour

patients weight =321 lb = 105 kg

heparin available = 20000 units/250 ml D5W

ie patient has to receive 18x 105 kg/hour = 1890 units/hour

ml/hour =(Total volume$\div$ Total drug available) x Dose prescribed

=(250 $\div$ 20000) x 1890

= 23.625

= 24 ml/hr