Answer :
Final answer:
To administer 10 mcg/kg/min of dobutamine to a 145 lb patient, convert the patient's weight to kilograms, calculate the total mcg per minute required, convert mcg to mg, and then calculate the volume flow rate based on the medication's concentration. The IV flow rate should be set to 0.05272 mL/min.
Explanation:
To calculate the flow rate for administering dobutamine to a patient who weighs 145 lb, we first need to convert the weight to kilograms. Since there are 2.2 lb in one kilogram, we divide 145 lb by 2.2, which equal approximately 65.9 kg. The prescribed dosage is 10 mcg/kg/min. Hence, the patient requires 10 mcg/min × 65.9 kg = 659 mcg/min of dobutamine.
Next, we convert the required mcg to mg because the medication is supplied in mg. There are 1000 mcg in 1 mg, so 659 mcg/min is equal to 0.659 mg/min. The concentration of dobutamine provided is 12.5 mg/mL, meaning we need a volume flow rate that delivers 0.659 mg/min. To find this volume, divide the required mg by the concentration: 0.659 mg/min ÷ 12.5 mg/mL = 0.05272 mL/min.
Finally, the IV flow rate should be set to 0.05272 mL/min to deliver the prescribed dose of dobutamine to the patient.
