Calculating mL/hr RATE from DOSAGE ORDERED BCTC Nursing Student Resource Center Renee Felts, RN

Method #1 D/H x Q = amount Morphine sulfate to infuse at 8 mg/hour Available in 25 mg/ 50 mL 8 mg x 50 mL = 16 mL/hr 25 mg Morphine sulfate to infuse at 8 mg/hour Available in 25 mg/ 50 mL 8 mg x 50 mL = 16 mL/hr 25 mg

Method # 2 Ratio/Proportion Same problem:Morphine 8 mg/hr A: 25 mg/50 mL 25 mg = 8 mg 400 = 16 mL 50 mL x mL 25x Same problem:Morphine 8 mg/hr A: 25 mg/50 mL 25 mg = 8 mg 400 = 16 mL 50 mL x mL 25x

Method #1 Calculating mL/hr using mcg/min Order: Levophed 3 mcg/min Available: 8 mg/ 250 mL First, calculate dose per hour... 3 mcg/min x 60 min = 180 mcg/hr Order: Levophed 3 mcg/min Available: 8 mg/ 250 mL First, calculate dose per hour... 3 mcg/min x 60 min = 180 mcg/hr

Convert 180 mcg to mg (compare apples to apples) 180 mcg = _____mg REMEMBER:small to LARGE = DIVIDE 180/1000 = 0.18 mg (compare apples to apples) 180 mcg = _____mg REMEMBER:small to LARGE = DIVIDE 180/1000 = 0.18 mg

Use the solution strength to calculate the mL/hr rate. 8 mg = 0.18 mg = 45 = 5.6 mL 250 mL x mL 8x or 6 mL Levophed infusing at 3 mcg/min will infuse at 6 mL/hr at this strength (concentration) 8 mg = 0.18 mg = 45 = 5.6 mL 250 mL x mL 8x or 6 mL Levophed infusing at 3 mcg/min will infuse at 6 mL/hr at this strength (concentration)

Method # 3 Calculate concentration: 8 mg = 8000 mcg 8000 mcg= 32 mcg/ mL 250 mL Formula: Dose x 60 (min in hr) / total volume 3 mcg/min x 60 = 5.6 mL or 6 mL/hr 32 mcg/mL Calculate concentration: 8 mg = 8000 mcg 8000 mcg= 32 mcg/ mL 250 mL Formula: Dose x 60 (min in hr) / total volume 3 mcg/min x 60 = 5.6 mL or 6 mL/hr 32 mcg/mL

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