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------------------------------------------------ A patient weighing 143 lb is on the heparin protocol. Calculate the standard initial bolus if the order is as follows:

- Heparin 25,000 units in 250 mL of NS.
- Boluses to be given at 80 units/kg.
- Drip is 18 units/kg/h.

What is the units of heparin and mL of dose?

To calculate the initial heparin bolus for a patient weighing 143 pounds, their weight is converted to kilograms. The bolus dose is determined to be 5200 units of heparin, equating to 52 mL of the heparin solution.

Explanation:

The question involves calculating the initial bolus dose of heparin for a patient weighing 143 pounds as per the prescribed protocol. To compute the bolus dose, first, convert the patient's weight from pounds to kilograms by dividing by 2.2, as the dosage calculation requires weight in kilograms. The formula for the bolus dose is 80 units of heparin per kilogram of body weight.

After calculating the weight in kilograms:
Weight in kg = 143 lb ÷ 2.2 = 65 kg (approximately).

Next, calculate the bolus dose:
Bolus dose = 80 units/kg × 65 kg = 5200 units of heparin.

To find the volume of the dose in mL from the heparin solution (25,000 units in 250 mL of NS), use the proportion:
25,000 units : 250 mL = 5200 units : X mL.
Solving for X gives X = (5200 units × 250 mL) ÷ 25,000 units = 52 mL.

Therefore, the patient should receive a bolus of 5200 units of heparin, which corresponds to 52 mL of the heparin solution.