Question

Calculate the units as indicated by the problem. Use labels where provided to calculate dosages. \(500 \mathrm{~mL}\) of D5W with 25,000 units of heparin at \(25 \mathrm{~mL} / \mathrm{hr}\). Calculate the hourly heparin dosage (units/hr).

Short answer

1,250 units/hr

Step-by-step solution

Determine the Concentration of Heparin per mL

To find the concentration of heparin, divide the total heparin units by the total volume of the solution. \[ \text{Concentration} = \frac{25,000 \text{ units}}{500 \text{ mL}} = 50 \text{ units/mL} \]

Calculate the Hourly Dosage

Multiply the concentration of heparin by the infusion rate to find the hourly dosage.\[ \text{Hourly Dosage} = 50 \text{ units/mL} \times 25 \text{ mL/hr} = 1,250 \text{ units/hr} \]

Key concepts

Heparin Dosage

Understanding how to calculate a heparin dosage is crucial in healthcare, particularly in scenarios where blood clots need to be managed or prevented. Heparin, a widely used anticoagulant, requires precise dosing to be effective and safe. When calculating heparin dosages, it's essential to determine how many units of heparin are in the solution you are working with. The units reflect the strength of the heparin per milliliter (mL) of the solution.
In the original exercise, we have a 500 mL solution containing 25,000 units of heparin. This means there are 50 units of heparin per mL of the solution. By understanding this, healthcare providers can calculate how many units of the medication a patient will receive in each dose. This ensures that the treatment is tailored to the patient's needs while minimizing potential risks.

Infusion Rate

Infusion rate is a key factor in determining how quickly a medication is administered. For treatments like heparin, which are typically administered intravenously, the infusion rate dictates how much of the solution (containing the drug) is delivered to the patient over a given period, often expressed in mL/hr. Knowing this rate helps healthcare providers control the dosage strength a patient receives on an hourly basis.
In the problem, the infusion rate is 25 mL/hr. When you multiply this rate by the concentration of the heparin solution (50 units/mL), you calculate how much heparin is administered every hour. For this exercise, the patient is set to receive 1,250 units of heparin per hour. Understanding and controlling the infusion rate is vital for achieving the desired therapeutic effects without exceeding safe limits.

Concentration Calculation

Calculating the concentration of a drug in a solution is fundamental to dosage determination. It involves determining how much of the drug is present per unit volume of a solution, often expressed in units per mL for solutions like heparin. This concentration forms the basis for further calculations to set appropriate dosages based on individual patient needs.
To find the concentration, divide the total amount of the drug by the total volume of the solution. In this exercise, with 25,000 units of heparin dissolved in 500 mL of solution, you get a concentration of 50 units/mL. Proper concentration calculation ensures that each administration of the drug is effective and safe, avoiding underdosing or overdosing. It helps in maintaining a consistent level of the medication in the patient's system to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.