pharm math
 
IV drips for Peds
 
spacer . The basic process for calculating IV drip rate / flow rate in pediatrics is no different from the calculation process used in the adult areas.  "Math is math."  However, it is included in this area as reinforcement.  One comment students have made when they have calculated some flow rate problems is "I didn't think my math was correct because I got a flow rate less than one ml/hr.  So I changed my answer and missed the problem."

Example:

A newborn has an order for 0.15 micrograms of Prostin VR (alprostadil) per hour to maintain patency of the ductus arteriosus.  The pharmacy prepared a Prostin drip with 25 mcg alprostadil in 50 ml of D5W.  What hourly rate is needed to deliver the dosage of medication as ordered? 
Critical information:
  • Dosage: 0.15 mcg/hr
  • Concentration: 25 mcg/50 ml
  • This medication will always be placed on an infusion pump dosage.  Assume medication drips such as this will be placed on an infusion pump in pediatrics.  Sometimes the problem will state "This med will be placed on an infusion pump."
Solution to this problem can be set up as ratio & proportion.
 
25 mcg
50 ml
=
0.15 mcg(/hr)
x ml
25x
=
7.50
x
=
0.3

Since this will be placed on an infusion pump, the calculated 0.3 ml can be translated as 0.3 ml/hr.
 

The number to be set on the pump in ml/hr is 0.3.
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10/2003
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