Question

A patient is ordered a medication at a dose of 10 mcg/kg/hour. The patient weighs 100 kg and the medication is prepared at a concentration of 0.1mg/mL. The nurse uses an IV set that delivers 10 drops/1 mL. What is the rate-of-flow in mL/hr and drops/minute? Round to the nearest whole number.

Answer 1

Dear students:

The below formula is used for calculation of doses

Ordered dose of patient is : 10mcg/kg/hour.

Available dose is :0.1mg/ml.

Quantity is:1ml.

Drop factor is :10gtt/min.

By the following formula for calculating the amount of dose.

D/A×Q=X

Where D=desired dose.

A=available dose in hand.

Q=Quantity.

X=dose required.

Therefore ,(10mcg/kg/hour )÷0.1mg/ml× 1ml=X

Change mcg into mg

1000mcg=1mg

10mcg=0.0001mg

Now by the formula:

0.001mg/hr÷0.1mg/ml=X

X=0.01ml/hour

Now drop factor /minute is

Drop factor=Amount ÷Time×drops /minute

Amount =0.01ml/hour

Time =1hour

gtt=10 drops /minute.

Now Drop factor =0.01÷60minutes×10

Drop factor = 0.0016drops/minute.