An insulin infusion contains 100 units of regular insulin in 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride. The prescribed rate is 6 units/hr. At what rate should the nurse set the pump?

Answer mL/hr

Show answer and rationale

Answer: 6 mL/hr

Concentration: 100 units ÷ 100 mL = 1 unit/mL. Rate: 6 units/hr ÷ 1 unit/mL = 6 mL/hr.

Source: Pickar. Dosage Calculations; ISMP High-Alert Medications

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Study tip

Learn high-alert drugs by their hold parameters and antidotes: digoxin, warfarin (vitamin K), heparin (protamine), opioids (naloxone), insulin, potassium.
Do 10 dosage calculations a day: tablets, liquids, mL/hr, gtt/min, mg/kg, and units/hr. Convert units first, round last.

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An insulin infusion contains 100 units of regular insulin in 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride. The prescribed rate is 6 units/hr. At what rate should the nurse set the pump?

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