NCLEX-PN® ExaminationPharmacological TherapiesMedium
A client is prescribed intravenous potassium chloride (KCl) 20 mEq to be infused over 2 hours. The pharmacy supplies 20 mEq of KCl in 100 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride. The LPN needs to set the infusion pump rate in mL/hour. What is the correct infusion rate?
- A100 mL/hour
- B75 mL/hour
- C50 mL/hour
- D25 mL/hour
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 50 mL/hour
To calculate the infusion rate, divide the total volume by the total infusion time. 100 mL / 2 hours = 50 mL/hour.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect calculation. This would be 100 mL over 1 hour.
- B. Incorrect calculation. This would be 100 mL over 1.33 hours.
- D. Incorrect calculation. This would be 100 mL over 4 hours.
IV Infusion Rate (Volume/Time)
Calculating the infusion pump rate (mL/hour) when a specific volume is to be infused over a given time.
- Formula: Total Volume (mL) / Total Time (hours).
- Result is in mL/hour.
- Used for medications or fluids with a specified infusion duration.
Memory trick: V/T: Volume over Time