Question

Calculate the hourly dosage of heparin (units/hr). Order: 30,000 units of heparin in \(1 \mathrm{~L}\) of D5W at \(25 \mathrm{~mL} / \mathrm{hr}\).

Short answer

750 units/hr.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Concentration

First, we need to understand that the concentration of heparin is given as 30,000 units in 1 liter (1000 milliliters) of D5W solution. This means that each mL of D5W contains \( \frac{30,000 \text{ units}}{1000 \text{ mL}} = 30 \text{ units/mL} \) of heparin.

Calculate Unit Dosage per Hour

We know the infusion rate is 25 mL per hour. To find the heparin dosage delivered each hour, multiply the concentration by the infusion rate: \( 25 \text{ mL/hr} \times 30 \text{ units/mL} = 750 \text{ units/hr} \).

Key concepts

Heparin Dosage

Heparin is an anticoagulant used to prevent and treat blood clots. The dosage is often tailored to each patient, based on their specific medical needs. In this exercise, the goal is to understand the relationship between the amount of heparin in the solution and how much is administered to the patient per hour. The first step involves understanding the concentration of heparin in the given solution (D5W), which is a common IV fluid. The key point is recognizing how many units of heparin are included per milliliter of the fluid and calculating the total units delivered per hour based on the infusion rate. Identifying this dosage helps ensure that the patient receives the correct amount of medication, enhancing safety and effectiveness in treatment. By comprehending the heparin dosage, you are correctly taking the initial step towards administering the right treatment, preventing complications like under-dosing or overdosing of the anticoagulant.

Infusion Rate

The infusion rate refers to how quickly a fluid is being administered to a patient intravenously. In our example, the infusion rate is given as 25 mL per hour. This rate dictates how much of the solution will be entering the patient’s bloodstream over a specific period of time. To effectively manage a medical treatment, it is essential to understand this rate because it influences how much of the drug, in this case heparin, is being delivered. Adjusting the infusion rate can directly affect the patient's treatment outcome. Knowing the impact of the infusion rate on drug delivery allows healthcare providers to tailor treatments to individual needs based on observations and medical guidelines.

Concentration Calculation

Calculating concentration is crucial for understanding how much medication a patient will receive from an infusion. In this exercise, the solution contains 30,000 units of heparin per liter of fluid. To figure out the concentration in more practical terms, it's important to convert this value into units per milliliter because infusion rates are typically measured in mL/hour.Here, you divide the total amount of heparin by the volume in milliliters: \[ \frac{30,000 \text{ units}}{1000 \text{ mL}} = 30 \text{ units/mL} \].This result tells you exactly how much heparin is in each milliliter of the solution, which helps you calculate the total dosage administered based on the infusion rate. Understanding these calculations ensures precision in medical treatment.

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is often required in medical calculations to ensure accuracy in treatment administration. In this scenario, converting units from liters to milliliters is necessary because it aligns with the way healthcare professionals measure infusions. Since there are 1000 mL in 1 liter, converting the total volume of the solution into milliliters is straightforward and enables comparing with the infusion rates typically given in mL/hour. This ability to convert units is integral to making accurate calculations, such as determining the precise amount of medication delivered to the patient. Mastering unit conversions removes potential errors, supporting better patient care and medication dosing.