Need some direction on this problems:

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Hi everyone, I need some direction on these two problems:

1) Order for regular insulin is 15 units/hr IV, in solution of 250units/250mls of normal saline. The IV Rate is________

I am not sure how to set this up. Would it be 250/15? I feel its not right this way..

2) Administer 15 units of 70/30 units. What amount would be regular?

On this one I am completely lost...

Thanks in advance...

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You may want to set this up as a ratio just so it is visually easy to see...but since the supply is a ratio of 1 unit to 1 mL (250units/250mL) you may just do it in your head. Since I know the ratio is 1 to 1...I know that 15mL is needed for 15 units. So, you need 15mL/hr IV.

You can set up a ratio too like this: 15 units/x = 250 units/250 mLs. Solve for x and you get 15mL. So if there is 15 units in 15 mL...don't do any more math...just solve. You need 15 ml/hr IV.

Hope that helps.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

As for the other one: You have to know which part of 70/30 is regular insulin. Once you figure that out, you take either 70% or 30% of 15 to get your answer.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, OB/GYN, Informatics, Simulation.

For the second half of your problem the 70/30 typically with insulin when it's mixed its 70 NPH and 30 regular. The insulin is combined so that the patient doesn't need repeated injections (thereby increasing adherence) since it combines a long acting and short acting insulin. So you'd take 15 units of the mixture not picking NPH or regular.

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