Question

Calculate the dosages as indicated. Use the labels where provided. 30 units of Pitocin is added to \(500 \mathrm{~mL}\) D5RL for an induction. The client is receiving \(45 \mathrm{~mL} / \mathrm{hr}\). How many units of Pitocin is the client receiving per hour? _______ units/hr

Short answer

The client receives 2.7 units/hr of Pitocin.

Step-by-step solution

Determine the Total Solution Volume in mL

The total solution volume given is 500 mL of D5RL with 30 units of Pitocin added. So, the volume is 500 mL.

Calculate the Concentration of Pitocin in the Solution

The concentration of Pitocin in the solution can be calculated by dividing the total units of Pitocin by the total volume of the solution.\[\text{Concentration of Pitocin} = \frac{30 \text{ units}}{500 \text{ mL}}\]

Simplify the Concentration Expression

Simplify the expression to find the concentration in units per mL.\[\text{Concentration of Pitocin} = 0.06 \text{ units/mL}\]

Determine the Infusion Rate in mL/hr

The infusion rate is given as 45 mL/hr.

Calculate Units of Pitocin per Hour

To find the units of Pitocin the client receives per hour, multiply the concentration of the solution by the infusion rate.\[\text{Units/hr} = 0.06 \text{ units/mL} \times 45 \text{ mL/hr}\]

Perform the Multiplication

Carry out the multiplication to find the amount of Pitocin received per hour.\[\text{Units/hr} = 0.06 \times 45 = 2.7 \text{ units/hr}\]

Key concepts

Nursing Math

Nursing math refers to the mathematical calculations nurses perform to ensure patients receive the correct dosages of medications. It's a crucial skill in the healthcare field because it helps maintain accurate drug administration, which is vital for patient safety. In nursing math, you often deal with conversions between units, understanding drug concentrations, infusions rates, and calculating how much a patient should receive over a specific period. Nurses use basic arithmetic, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. More advanced concepts include ratio and proportion, which are commonly used in dosage calculations. For instance:

• Calculating the concentration of a medication involves dividing the total amount of drug by the volume of the solution.
• Determining how much of a drug in solution is delivered to a patient over time requires multiplying the drug's concentration by the infusion rate.

Nursing math is a daily reality for healthcare workers, making competence in these calculations an essential part of the job.

Pitocin Dosage

Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin, used medically to induce labor or strengthen labor contractions during childbirth. It's crucial to administer the correct dosage of Pitocin to maintain the desired effect without causing harm to the patient. In certain situations, Pitocin is mixed into a saline or glucose solution and delivered intravenously. This way, healthcare providers can control the rate at which Pitocin is administered. Understanding how to calculate the dosage is key to ensuring its efficacy. Here's what you need to know:

• The concentration of Pitocin in a solution is determined by dividing the total number of units by the volume of the IV solution in milliliters (mL). For example, adding 30 units of Pitocin to 500 mL of fluid means the concentration is 0.06 units/mL.
• Getting the dosage right involves knowing both the concentration and the rate of infusion, ensuring that the patient's body receives the medication at the appropriate speed and quantity.

Correctly using Pitocin requires diligent attention to these calculations to avoid complications, such as excessive uterine contractions or potential harm to the mother and baby.

Infusion Rate Calculation

Infusion rate calculations determine how fast a medication, like Pitocin, is administered to a patient via IV drip. It’s often measured in mL/hr, dictating how much fluid with the medication is delivered every hour. Understanding how to calculate the correct infusion rate is important for ensuring the effectiveness and safety of drug administration. To calculate the units of medication received per hour:

• First, know your infusion rate—this is how quickly the IV solution is being given to the patient (45 mL/hr, for example).
• Second, use the concentration of the drug in the solution (e.g., 0.06 units/mL in the case of our Pitocin example).
• Finally, multiply the concentration by the infusion rate to find out how many units of the medication are delivered per hour: 0.06 units/mL * 45 mL/hr = 2.7 units/hr of Pitocin.

These calculations are vital to ensuring the patient receives the correct dosage, thus achieving the desired therapeutic effect safely and effectively.