The nurse calculates the infusion rate for administering dopamine ...

[jenna1]

The nurse calculates the infusion rate for administering dopamine to a premature infant in the neonatal intensive care unit who is in cardiogenic shock secondary to a cardiac anomaly. What is the nurse's next priority action?
 
  A) Insert an intravenous catheter
  B) Obtain permission from parents
  C) Ask another nurse to perform independent calculation
  D) Show the nurse's calculations to the physician

Question 2

The nurse receives an order to begin a dopamine (Intropin) infusion at 5 mcg/kg/min. The patient weighs 50 kg. Each milliliter of solution contains 3 mg of dopamine. How many mL/h will the nurse set the pump to deliver?
 
  A) 3 mL/h
  B) 5 mL/h
  C) 3,000 mL/h
  D) 83.3 mL/h

[Madisongo23]

Answer to Question 1

C
Feedback:
It is good practice to have a second person check the dosage calculation before administering the drug to avoid potential toxic effects. When having calculations double-checked, it is best to let the other person work out separate calculations rather than just looking at the nurse's calculation first because this will be more likely to catch an error. The nurse would have another nurse perform calculations rather than the doctor. Only after calculations are correct would the drug be administered, usually through a central line or the nurse may establish a peripheral line. Permission from parents is not required above general permission needed to care for the neonate.

Answer to Question 2

B
Feedback:
To calculate this dosage, multiply the ordered mcg by the weight (5 50 kg) to yield mcg/min (250 mcg/min) and then multiply this times 60 to get mcg/h (250 60 = 15,000 mcg/h). Convert mcg/h to mg/h (15,000/1,000 = 15 mg/h). Set up ratio (3 mg/1 mL = 15 mg/X mL) and cross multiply (3X = 15 mg). Divide both sides by 3 to yield 5 mL/h to deliver 5 mg/kg/min.

[jenna1]

Thank you!

[Madisongo23]

Always glad to help...