In: Nursing
The physician ordered Cardene 5mg/hr. The pharmacy sends cardene 25 mg in 250 mL normal saline to the floor. At what rate will the nurse at the IV pump to achieve the correct dose
Answer: Given that Cardene was ordered at 5mg/hr and we have 25mg in 250ml Normal Saline (NS);
= 25mg - 250ml
5mg - ?
= 5 X 250 / 25 = 50ml / hr
Volume per hour = 50ml / hr
Drops per minute = Total volume per hour X 1/3 (drop factor for clear fluids)
= 50 X 1/3
= 16.6 drops per minute or 17 drops per minute (rounding off)