IV Flow Rate problem

by Rahael
(Texas)

A 110lb woman is started on a nitroglycerin IV drip. The order is to administer the nitroglycerin at 5mcg/min. The pharmacy sends a 250ml IV container with 25mg of nitroglycerin added to the container. What rate in ml/hr should the IV run.

This question has already been answered but I didn't it get because it was assumed by the tutor that, we students should already know some steps, and I'm very sorry I don't and I need some help please. I take my test on August 9th.

Reply (by Keith)

Here is how I see the question:

A 110lb woman is started on a nitroglycerin IV drip. The order is to administer the nitroglycerin at 5mcg/min. The pharmacy sends a 250ml IV container with 25mg of nitroglycerin added to the container. What rate in ml/hr should the IV run.

1) So, first let's convert our mg's to mcg's.

25mg = 25,000mcg

So, we have:

25,000mcg/250mL

2) From there we can determine how many mL's will contain 5mcg using proportions math.

25000mcg - - - - 5mcg
________ - = - _______
250mL - - - - - - - X

I get: X = 0.05mL

3) That means that 0.05mL will deliver 5mcg of the Nitro, right? which is what's needed "per minute"

OK, now... BUT

4) Since the question asks "per hour", let's multiply our "per minute" mL by 60.

0.05 x 60 = _________