A client with a newly diagnosed pulmonary embolism requires a continuous intravenous (IV) … — NCLEX-RN

A client with a newly diagnosed pulmonary embolism requires a continuous intravenous (IV) infusion of heparin. The primary healthcare provider prescribes an initial infusion rate of $14 \text{ units/kg/hr}$ . The client's current weight is documented as $187 \text{ lb}$ . The pharmacy supplies a sterile IV bag containing $25{}000 \text{ units}$ of heparin mixed in $500 \text{ mL}$ of $0.9\% \text{ sodium chloride}$ . Based on this information, at what rate (in $\text{mL/hr}$ ) should the infusion pump be set? (Round the final answer to the nearest tenth).

A
11.9
23.8Answer
C
52.4
D
115.2

Answer

The infusion pump should be set to

23.8 \text{ mL/hr}

To determine the correct rate for a weight-based IV infusion, a multi-step calculation is required. First, the weight must be converted to kilograms:

187 \text{ lb} \div 2.2 = 85 \text{ kg}

. Next, the hourly unit requirement is calculated:

85 \text{ kg} \times 14 \text{ units/kg/hr} = 1190 \text{ units/hr}

. Then, the concentration of the IV bag is determined:

25{}000 \text{ units} \div 500 \text{ mL} = 50 \text{ units/mL}

. Finally, dividing the hourly requirement by the concentration yields the infusion rate:

1190 \text{ units} \div 50 \text{ units/mL} = 23.8 \text{ mL/hr}

Step-by-Step Solution

Convert the client's weight from pounds (lb) to kilograms (kg).

187 \text{ lb} \div 2.2 \text{ lb/kg} = 85 \text{ kg}

The medication is prescribed based on weight in kilograms, so the weight must be accurately converted before calculating the dose.

Calculate the required hourly dose in units.

85 \text{ kg} \times 14 \text{ units/kg/hr} = 1190 \text{ units/hr}

Multiplying the client's weight in kg by the prescribed dose per kg determines the total amount of medication needed per hour.

Determine the concentration of the provided heparin solution.

25{}000 \text{ units} \div 500 \text{ mL} = 50 \text{ units/mL}

Identifying how many units are in a single milliliter is necessary to determine the infusion volume rate.

Calculate the final infusion rate in mL/hr.

1190 \text{ units/hr} \div 50 \text{ units/mL} = 23.8 \text{ mL/hr}

Dividing the required hourly dose by the concentration yields the exact volume that must be infused over one hour.

Key Concept

Weight-Based Intravenous Medication Calculations

Estimated Time:2m 0s

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