Need help with math calculations

[lola8penny]

Im having problems figuring out how to solve a few problems.

I don't need the answers, just help getting there.

Thank you

1. Doctor's order: IV Lidocaine at 3 mg/min

Drug available: Lidocaine 2 G/250 ml D₅W

What rate would you set on the IV pump? ___________ ml/hour

2. Doctor's order: IV Procainamide at 4 mg/min

Drug available: Procainamide 1 G/500 ml D₅W

What rate would you set on the IV pump? ___________ ml/hour

3. Doctor's order: Dopamine 5 mcg/kg/min

Drug available: Dopamine 400 mg/250 D₅W

Patient weighs =154 pounds

What rate would you set on the IV pump? ___________ ml/hour

4. Dopamine 400 mg/250 D₅W is infusing at 10 ml/hour. Patient weighs =154 pounds

How many mcg/kg/min of Dopamine is the patient receiving? ___________ mcg/kg/min

[lola8penny]

That's why previous posters have asked that you show what you have done. This better allows us to help you, if we can see where you're problems.

Yes, I did not think to do that. I will do that next time. Thanks.

[Ladyscrubs]

Ladyscrubs, MSN Thank you! Very helpful.

You are very welcome.

I am also aware that sometimes conversions with weight can also be difficult to "plug" into the equation. I always convert weight separately and plug in my kg.

My lines were still a bit wacky, and I need to work on my security so I can upload from Word, but I am glad to help...I tutor math, and ever other subject, and I do have an e-mail that I use solely for my students.

I think it is sad that your school does not offer tutoring, sometimes just an extra pair of eyes or different perspective can really help to clarify things. But don't be afraid to put your work out there for us on AN to see...maybe you missed a step, or perhaps there is an extra zero. I think we are all pretty friendly and we don't bite!

[northmississippi]

This is interesting. Was the answer to number one 22.5 ml hr?

[Ladyscrubs]

This is interesting. Was the answer to number one 22.5 ml hr?

Complete the answer, because 22.5 mL/hr would be marked wrong on a test. You must round the answer. Five or greater, round up. 22.5 rounded is 23 mL/hr.

[PaperPushingRN]

I have a VERY simple way to calculate math problems!!!!! Remember chemistry?.... Follow the labels!!! I aced math in nursing school using this method as it made the most sense to me.

[TABLE=width: 864]

[TR]

[TD]3 mg

[/TD]

[TD]

x

[/TD]

[TD]250 mL

[/TD]

[TD]

x

[/TD]

[TD]1 g

[/TD]

[TD]

x

[/TD]

[TD]60 min

[/TD]

[TD]

=

[/TD]

[TD]

22.5 mL/hr

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]1 min

[/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD]2 g

[/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD]1,000 mg

[/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD]1 hr

[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

This did not copy the best but if you follow this you flip the "information" around to cancel out the labels. This way all the labels will be cancelled out except for mL/hr which is what you need and you just do the math, multiply the top numbers and divide by the bottom numbers. So for the top it is 3x250x1x60 = 45,000 divided by 2,000 = 22.5 mL/hr

Hope this helps!! :)

[northmississippi]

since it was on a pump, you may not have to round it. ask your teacher to be sure of the rounding rules. all i did was divide what was ordered by what i have on hand, and then multiply that by the vol. of liquid it comes in. 180/2000 times 250 = 22.5. the 180 is 3mg times 60 minutes. the 2000 is the 2g. the 250 is the volume of that bag i was using. i use this formula alot.. ordered/have times vol of liquid you have. if its a pill,, just leave off the liquid and use ordered/have. always know the rounding rules though for drip and pump or whatever.