Question

A client weighs 176 lb

Heparin infusion 20,000 units in 1,000 mL 0.9% sodium chloride

Bolus with heparin sodium at 80 units/kg

What is the bolus dose? _________________

Initiate drip at 18 units/kg/hr

Round weight to the nearest tenth as indicated

What is the rate in mL/hr? ________________

Answer 1

Here the dose should be calculated in units/kg.so first convert weight in lb in to kg.

1 lb=.454 kg

so, 176lb = 79.9kg.=80kg

as bolus we have to give 80 units/kg,

for total weight of patient, 80 x 80 =6400 units.

now, there is 20000 unit of heparin in 1000ml of NS.

ie, we have 20 units in 1 ml of NS ()

so total bolus dose will be, 6400/20 = 320 ml of NS should be given as bolus

now for infusion, we should give 18 units/kg/hr.

so, 18 x 80 = 1440 units/hr should be infused. [80kg is the weight of the patient]

as calculated earlier, there is 20 units in 1 ml of NS.

so, total ml of NS should be given in 1 hr= 1440/20= 72 ml.

so the infusion rate will be 72 ml/hr.