Question

heparin sodium 60 units/kg IV bolus is ordered followed by heparin sodium infusion at 15 units/kg/h for a patient who weighs 160 lbs. Available 16000 units/400 ml 25 units/ml

b) calculate the flow rare in units per hour

Answer 1

Step 1: Convert weight into kg

1kg = 2.2lbs

Pt weighs 160lbs

160 / 2 = 72.7kg

Pt weight is 72.7kg.

Step 2: Calculate units per hour

Ordered dose is 15 units / kg / hour

Pt weighs 72.7kg

Hence, total units per hour = 72.7 x 15

Total units per hour = 1090.5 units per hour.

Step 3: Calculate heparin infusion rate

Heparin infusion rate = Total available units/Total volume = Units per hour / X ml per hour.

Total available units = 16000 units

Total volume = 400ml

Total units per hour = 1090.5

By applying on the above formula,

Heparin infusion rate = 16000/ 400 = 1090.5/ X ml per hour

By cross multiplying,

16000X = 400 x 1090.5

16000X = 436200

X ml per hour = 436200 / 16000

= 27.26ml per hour.

b) The flow rate of heparin is 27.26ml per hour.