NCLEX-RNPharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesMedium
A client is prescribed intravenous potassium chloride (KCl) 40 mEq to be infused over 4 hours. The available solution is 100 mL of 0.9% Normal Saline with 40 mEq KCl. The IV pump should be set to deliver how many mL/hr?
- A20 mL/hr
- B25 mL/hr
- C50 mL/hr
- D10 mL/hr
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 25 mL/hr
To calculate the infusion rate in mL/hr, divide the total volume (100 mL) by the total infusion time (4 hours). 100 mL / 4 hours = 25 mL/hr. The concentration of KCl (40 mEq) is important for safety but not for calculating the pump rate in mL/hr once the solution is prepared.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This rate would infuse over 5 hours, not 4 hours.
- C. This rate would infuse over 2 hours, not 4 hours.
- D. This rate would infuse over 10 hours, not 4 hours.
IV Infusion Rate Calculation
Calculating the IV infusion rate in mL/hr is essential for safe medication administration. It involves dividing the total volume of the solution to be infused by the total time over which it should be infused. This ensures the medication is delivered at the correct speed.
- Rate = Volume / Time.
- Volume in mL, Time in hours.
- Ensures accurate delivery.
- Crucial for high-alert drugs like KCl.
Memory trick: Volume over time, that's the IV prime!