Question

Calculate the dosages as indicated. Use the labels where provided. Aminophylline \(0.25 \mathrm{~g}\) is added to \(250 \mathrm{~mL}\) D5W. The order is to infuse over \(6 \mathrm{hr}\). Calculate the dosage in \(\mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{hr}\) the client will receive.

Short answer

The client will receive approximately 41.67 mg/hr of aminophylline.

Step-by-step solution

Determine Total Dosage in Milligrams

First, note that the total dosage of aminophylline added is given as \(0.25 \text{ g}\). To convert grams to milligrams, use the conversion factor: \(1 \text{ g} = 1000 \text{ mg}\). Thus, \(0.25 \text{ g} = 0.25 \times 1000 = 250 \text{ mg}\).

Calculate Infusion Rate in Milligrams per Hour

The infusion time is \(6 \text{ hr}\). To find the dosage per hour, divide the total milligrams by the number of hours over which it is infused: \(\frac{250 \text{ mg}}{6 \text{ hr}} \approx 41.67 \text{ mg/hr}\).

Key concepts

Aminophylline Infusion

Aminophylline is a medication often used in clinical settings to help relax and open the air passages in the lungs, making it easier for patients to breathe. Infusing aminophylline intravenously allows for precise control of the dose a patient receives over time. This method is particularly useful when continuous therapeutic blood levels are desired, such as in severe asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The process of aminophylline infusion requires careful calculation to ensure the correct amount of the drug is given over a specified period. Health professionals need to calculate how much of the drug is added to a certain volume of fluid and then determine how that translates into a specific dosage given over time.

Conversion from Grams to Milligrams

In medication calculations, converting units is crucial for accuracy and safety. Often, medication dosage is prescribed in milligrams (mg), but the available dosage might be provided in grams (g). Understanding how to convert between these units is critical.
To convert grams into milligrams, remember that 1 gram is equivalent to 1000 milligrams. Therefore, to convert, you multiply the weight in grams by 1000. For example, if you have 0.25 grams and need to convert it to milligrams, you would multiply by 1000, resulting in 250 mg. This conversion simplifies the process of dosage calculation, ensuring that patients receive the precise amount of medication needed.

Rate of Infusion

The rate of infusion refers to how quickly a medication is delivered to the patient over a set time. In the context of intravenous therapy, it's important to determine the rate at which a drug, diluted in a fluid, is administered.
Calculating the rate of infusion involves dividing the total dose by the time period over which the medication is to be infused. For instance, if 250 mg of aminophylline is to be infused over 6 hours, the calculation would be 250 mg divided by 6 hours, resulting in approximately 41.67 mg per hour. This ensures that the medication delivers its therapeutic effects consistently over the infusion period.

Dosage Calculations in Nursing

Nurses frequently engage in dosage calculations to administer the correct amount of a drug. These calculations are integral to safe patient care and involve understanding various concepts such as unit conversions and infusion rates.
Nursing dosage calculations ensure that even complex medication regimens are simplified into manageable steps. Among the essential skills are the ability to convert between measurement units, as demonstrated by converting aminophylline from grams to milligrams, and calculating the rate of infusion. This knowledge ensures that nurses can deliver effective therapies while minimizing the risk of overdose or underdose.

• Unit Conversion: Converting grams to milligrams and vice versa.
• Infusion Rate Calculation: Determining the amount of drug per hour.
• Safety Checks: Verifying calculations to prevent errors.

These calculated steps allow for precise adherence to medical orders, promoting optimal patient outcomes.