A pediatric client weighing 48.4\text{ lb} is prescribed a continuous intravenous (IV) inf… — NCLEX-RN

A pediatric client weighing $48.4\text{ lb}$ is prescribed a continuous intravenous (IV) infusion of fentanyl at $2\text{ \mu g/kg/hr}$ for pain management. The pharmacy dispenses an IV bag containing $500\text{ \mu g}$ of fentanyl in $100\text{ mL}$ of $0.9\%$ sodium chloride. At what rate, in $\text{mL/hr}$ , should the nurse set the IV infusion pump? Record your answer using one decimal place.

Answer: 8.8 mL/hr

Answer

8.8

To determine the correct IV infusion rate, the nurse must first convert the client's weight to kilograms (

48.4 \text{ lb} \div 2.2 = 22 \text{ kg}

). Next, calculate the hourly dose by multiplying the weight by the prescribed rate (

22 \text{ kg} \times 2 \text{ \mu g/kg/hr} = 44 \text{ \mu g/hr}

). Finally, divide the required hourly dose by the concentration of the supplied medication (

500 \text{ \mu g} \div 100 \text{ mL} = 5 \text{ \mu g/mL}

) to find the pump rate in mL/hr (

44 \text{ \mu g/hr} \div 5 \text{ \mu g/mL} = 8.8 \text{ mL/hr}

Step-by-Step Solution

Convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms.

22 kg

The prescribed medication dose is weight-based in kilograms, so the weight must be converted first.

Calculate the total hourly dose required in micrograms.

44 \mu g/hr

To determine the exact amount of active medication the client needs per hour based on their weight.

Determine the concentration of the dispensed fentanyl solution.

5 \mu g/mL

To find out how many micrograms of fentanyl are contained in each milliliter of the IV fluid.

Calculate the final IV infusion pump rate.

8.8 mL/hr

To determine the precise volume of fluid to administer per hour to safely deliver the required dose.

Key Concept

Weight-based intravenous continuous infusion calculation

Question

Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept

Common Mistakes

Topics

More questions from this topic