How Do You Calculate IV Drip Rates for Medications?

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SUMMARY

The calculation of IV drip rates for medications involves determining the correct mL/hr based on the patient's weight and the prescribed dosage. In this discussion, a patient weighing 70 kg requires a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg/hr, resulting in a total of 35 mg/hr. Given a medication concentration of 250 mg in 50 mL, the calculated drip rate is 7 mL/hr. The calculations confirm that the prescribed dosage and drip rate are accurate and appropriate for the patient's needs.

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  • Knowledge of unit conversions in medical dosing
  • Ability to perform arithmetic operations involving ratios and proportions
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acehansen
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Homework Statement


Your patient weighs 70 kg the prescription states 0.5 mg/kg/hr. You have a bag of 250 mg in 50 mL. At what rate (mL/hr) will you set the pump?

Homework Equations


I don't think I have to convert the units of this equation, just cancel them out... but I'm not entirely sure.

The Attempt at a Solution


I tested it out, this is how i answered it
0.5/mg/kg/hr X 70kg = 35mg/hr

35 mg/hr X 50ml/250mg (I cancel out mg)
= 7ml/hr

I am not sure if I did this correctly.
 
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How many milligrams per hour does the whole of the patient need ?
35 mg/hr is fine.
you know 250 mg is 50 ml, so 35 mg /hr is 35/250 * 50 mg/hr * ml/mg
You and patient can rest assured that this is correct.

Welcome to PF :) (though this is more like artihmetic, isn't it ?)
 
BvU said:
How many milligrams per hour does the whole of the patient need ?
35 mg/hr is fine.
you know 250 mg is 50 ml, so 35 mg /hr is 35/250 * 50 mg/hr * ml/mg
You and patient can rest assured that this is correct.

Welcome to PF :) (though this is more like artihmetic, isn't it ?)

Thank You BvU. :)
 

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