IV flow rate problem

Nursing Students Student Assist

Published

This isn't homework,I'm just trying to figure it out,I know its probably simple but I don't have the formula for one like this....

A nurse has 1000cc NS with 20 grams of mag sulfate.The order is for the med to infuse at 3 grams per hour.What should the nurse set the pump at?

Help.......

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pedi.

If you have 20 g/1000 cc, how many cc's contain 3 grams? That's what this question is asking.

20g/1000 cc = 3g/x

20x= 3000

x = 150 cc

You need to infuse at 150 cc/hr to infuse 3 g/hr.

You can also figure out that 1000 cc/20g equals 50cc/g and multiply by 3g/hr to get 150 cc/hr.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED/ICU/TELEMETRY/LTC.

1000

-------- = ___x___

20 3

20x =3000

x =150

Up Vote Up Vote ×

another way to think of it is you have 20gm in 1000cc; how many cc is 1 gm?

20gm in 1000cc = 1 gm in 50cc

3gm is therefore 150cc

think what they're asking you to know before you go madly plugging numbers into a formula. thinking first will slow you down and get you to be more careful, and also to have a better ballpark idea of what your answer should be.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

for future ref, cc are not used anymore....mL is the way to roll, per Joint Commission.....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment