Question

Calculate the units as indicated by the problem. Use labels where provided to calculate dosages. Order: \(500 \mathrm{~mL}\) of D5W with 20,000 units of heparin at \(40 \mathrm{~mL} / \mathrm{hr}\). Calculate the hourly heparin dosage (units/hr).

Short answer

The hourly heparin dosage is 1600 units/hr.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Given Information

The problem states that you have a solution of 500 mL of D5W containing 20,000 units of heparin, and it is administered at a rate of 40 mL per hour. Our goal is to calculate how many units of heparin are delivered per hour.

Calculate Heparin Concentration

First, determine the concentration of heparin in the solution. The total heparin in the solution is 20,000 units in 500 mL. So, the concentration is:\[\frac{20,000 \text{ units}}{500 \text{ mL}} = 40 \text{ units/mL}\]

Determine Hourly Dosage

Now, use the concentration to find the hourly dosage. The solution is administered at a rate of 40 mL per hour.Thus, the hourly dosage of heparin is:\[40 \text{ units/mL} \times 40 \text{ mL/hr} = 1600 \text{ units/hr}\]

State the Final Answer

The calculation shows that the hourly dosage of heparin administered is 1600 units per hour.

Key concepts

Heparin Dosage

Heparin dosage calculation is important for ensuring patient safety and effective treatment. Heparin is an anticoagulant, commonly used to prevent blood clotting in medical settings.
Understanding the dosage is crucial because it determines the efficacy and safety of the treatment. When calculating heparin dosage, one must know the total amount of heparin in the solution and how it's administered over time.

• Total heparin in the solution, in this case, is 20,000 units.
• The rate of administration is 40 mL per hour.

By calculating correctly, healthcare providers can administer the precise amount necessary for therapeutic effects without causing adverse reactions.

Medication Administration

Medication administration refers to the process of providing medications to patients in a clinical setting. It involves preparing, verifying, and delivering the medication.
Ensuring correct administration is vital for patient care and safety. Healthcare professionals must follow protocols to avoid errors.

• In this instance, D5W (Dextrose 5% in Water) is used as a vehicle for heparin delivery.
• Administration is continuous, at a steady rate of 40 mL/hour.

By understanding how to handle medications and the technology involved, such as infusion pumps, one can ensure that medications like heparin are administered safely and effectively.

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is a critical skill in medication dosage calculations. It involves changing units from one form to another to accurately measure and administer medication.
In medical contexts, converting units accurately ensures effective patient care. Heparin's conversion is between units, mL, and time.

• Heparin concentration: 40 units/mL.
• To find units per hour: Multiply \(40 \text{ units/mL} \times 40 \text{ mL/hour} = 1600 \text{ units/hour}\).

Mastering unit conversions can prevent dosage errors and ensure that patients receive the appropriate amount of medication.

Solution Concentration

Solution concentration refers to the amount of a substance (solute) dissolved in a certain volume of solvent. In medical dosages, it is important as it impacts how much of a medication is delivered.
For heparin, concentration indicates how many units are in each milliliter of solution.

• The total solution is 500 mL with 20,000 units of heparin.
• The concentration is calculated as \(\frac{20,000 \text{ units}}{500 \text{ mL}} = 40 \text{ units/mL}\).

Understanding solution concentration helps in controlling the dosage delivered and in adjusting medication levels as needed.