IV Dose Calculation Essentials

Anika is a nurse preparing an IV infusion for a patient who requires an isotonic solution. Which of the following IV fluids should Anika select?

• 0.45% Sodium Chloride

• 0.9% Sodium Chloride

• 5% Dextrose in 0.45% Sodium Chloride

• 3% Sodium Chloride

Answer explanation

An isotonic solution maintains the same osmolarity as blood. 0.9% Sodium Chloride is isotonic, while 0.45% Sodium Chloride is hypotonic, and 3% Sodium Chloride is hypertonic. Therefore, Anika should select 0.9% Sodium Chloride.

Grace is setting up an IV infusion for a patient in the hospital. She needs to record the infusion rate on the patient's chart. What is the standard unit for measuring IV infusion rates?

• Milligrams per kilogram

• Milliliters per hour

• Grams per liter

• Drops per minute

Answer explanation

The standard unit for measuring IV infusion rates is milliliters per hour. This unit allows healthcare providers to accurately monitor and adjust the fluid delivery to patients.

Mia is preparing to administer two IV drugs to a patient and considers mixing them in the same IV line. Why should Mia check the medication compatibility before mixing the two IV drugs?

• To ensure the solution is clear

• To prevent precipitation or inactivation

• To increase the infusion rate

• To reduce the cost of medication

Answer explanation

Mia should check medication compatibility to prevent precipitation or inactivation of the drugs, ensuring they remain effective and safe when administered together.

Harper is prescribed a medication that requires a dose of 2 mg/kg. If Harper weighs 70 kg, what is the total dose?

• 35 mg

• 70 mg

• 140 mg

• 210 mg

Answer explanation

To find the total dose, multiply Harper's weight (70 kg) by the dose per kg (2 mg/kg). So, 70 kg * 2 mg/kg = 140 mg. Therefore, the correct total dose is 140 mg.

Samuel arrives at the emergency department after a car accident and is found to have significant blood loss leading to hypovolemia. Which IV fluid type is most appropriate for treating his condition?

• 5% Dextrose in Water (D5W)

• 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline)

• 0.45% Sodium Chloride (Half Normal Saline)

• 3% Sodium Chloride

Answer explanation

0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline) is the most appropriate IV fluid for hypovolemia due to blood loss, as it effectively restores intravascular volume and maintains electrolyte balance.

Evelyn is a nurse who needs to administer a medication to a patient. The medication is ordered to be infused at 250 mL over 2 hours. What is the required infusion rate in mL/hr?

• 100 mL/hr

• 125 mL/hr

• 150 mL/hr

• 200 mL/hr

Answer explanation

To find the infusion rate, divide the total volume by the total time. 250 mL ÷ 2 hours = 125 mL/hr. Therefore, the required infusion rate is 125 mL/hr.

Maya, who weighs 60 kg, is admitted to the hospital and prescribed a medication at a rate of 0.5 mg/kg/hr. What is the total dose she should receive over 4 hours?

• 30 mg

• 60 mg

• 120 mg

• 240 mg

Answer explanation

Maya's weight is 60 kg. The medication rate is 0.5 mg/kg/hr. Over 4 hours, the total dose is calculated as 60 kg * 0.5 mg/kg/hr * 4 hr = 120 mg. Therefore, the correct answer is 120 mg.

Emma is preparing to administer two IV medications to a patient. The compatibility chart shows a moderate risk of precipitation when mixed. What is the best course of action?

• Mix the medications and monitor the patient closely

• Administer the medications separately using different IV lines

• Increase the infusion rate to reduce risk

• Dilute both medications in more fluid

Answer explanation

Administering the medications separately using different IV lines is the best course of action to avoid precipitation, as mixing them poses a moderate risk. This ensures patient safety and effective medication delivery.

A patient requires 1,200 mL of IV fluid to be infused over 8 hours. The IV set delivers 20 drops/mL. What is the required drip rate in drops per minute? (Round to the nearest whole number.)

• 25 drops/min

• 40 drops/min

• 50 drops/min

• 60 drops/min

Answer explanation

To find the drip rate, first calculate the total minutes: 8 hours = 480 minutes. Then, divide the total volume (1200 mL) by the time in minutes (480 min) to get 2.5 mL/min. Multiply by the drip factor (20 drops/mL) to get 50 drops/min. Rounding gives 40 drops/min.

A patient with renal impairment is prescribed an IV medication that is known to be incompatible with potassium chloride. The patient is already receiving potassium chloride via IV. What is the most appropriate plan for administering the new medication?

• Administer both medications through the same IV line to save time

• Stop the potassium chloride infusion, flush the line, and administer the new medication separately

• Mix both medications in the same IV bag

• Increase the potassium chloride infusion rate to finish it faster

Answer explanation

The correct plan is to stop the potassium chloride infusion, flush the line, and administer the new medication separately. This prevents any potential incompatibility reactions between the two IV medications.