how to give heparin 5000units with a 1mL syringe?

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the order is give 5000 units subcutaneously. if i am using a 1cc or 1ml syringe, how far would i pull the stopper of the syringe back? would i draw up to 0.5ml? also, is 0.5ml equal to 5000 units?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

It should say on the bottle how many units are in a ml.Where I work the Heparin is supplied in a 10,000 units/ml bottle so you would give 0.5ml.You need to check the bottle to make sure you are giving the right dosage.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
the order is give 5000 units subcutaneously. if i am using a 1cc or 1ml syringe, how far would i pull the stopper of the syringe back? would i draw up to 0.5ml? also, is 0.5ml equal to 5000 units?

I'm glad that you're here asking questions, but I hope you realize that you don't have all of the information to calculate a safe injection. For once, I'm going to say that I hope you're a student asking a homework question:lol2:

What is the strength of your Heparin? You cannot expect us to know if .5 ml equals anything unless we know the strength (units or mg per ml).

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Considering the OP has a post saying they have passed the NCLEX, I'm a little worried...

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so the calculation would be ex:

Dr order 5000 units SQ

Available 10000 units 1/ml

D/AXQ(V)= Answer

5000 units / 10000 units X 1ml = 0.5 ml

This is just an example like other posters said.

"You need to check the bottle to make sure you are giving the right dosage."

"What is the strength of your Heparin? You cannot expect us to know if .5 ml equals anything unless we know the strength (units or mg per ml)."

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OP, never sit around and ponder what is right/wrong with drug admin. Always go directly to your references.

You need to constantly refer to your drug reference which = medication instructions that come with the medication, your pharmacy instructions, and your own drug references at hand. I would rec getting downloadable and FREE references to quickly look at when you have a question pop in your head and you are not working at a facility with a facility approved electronic drug reference.

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Specializes in CICU.

...or read the label on the vial. We get ours in 5,000 unit / 1 mL vials.

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Specializes in Trauma, MICU.

At my hospital we USED to have 10,000 units/1mL bottles. However they have switched to 5,000 units/1mL bottles. As others have stated, chech your bottle!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Drug concentration is a moot point if the nurse does not realize that concentration must be part of the equation.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

our vials are 5,000units/mL, so for the OP you would draw up 1mL.

it's impossible to figure out without knowing the drug concentration, though.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Emergency, CEN.

Definitely ask an RN at work who you trust! Heparin is not something you want a med error on! (Not that any drug is, but...) There are no stupid questions when it comes to patient safety!!!:redpinkhe

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

CALL PHARMACY!!!!!!! We don't know what concentration you have on hand to give you and answer!

Don't give it unless you are sure!!!!!

This is a really good site!!!

http://www.dosagehelp.com/

Ask some one!!!

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