Dobutamine 250 mg in 250 mL D5W is prescribed at 5 mcg/kg/min for a client who weighs 80 kg. At what rate in mL/hr should the nurse set the pump?

Answer mL/hr

Show answer and rationale

Answer: 24 mL/hr

Concentration: 250 mg ÷ 250 mL = 1 mg/mL = 1,000 mcg/mL. Dose: 5 × 80 = 400 mcg/min × 60 = 24,000 mcg/hr. Rate: 24,000 ÷ 1,000 = 24 mL/hr.

Source: Pickar. Dosage Calculations (weight-based titrations)

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Dobutamine 250 mg in 250 mL D5W is prescribed at 5 mcg/kg/min for a client who weighs 80 kg. At what rate in mL/hr should the nurse set the pump?

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