A nitroglycerin infusion contains 50 mg in 250 mL of D5W. The prescribed dose is 10 mcg/min. At what rate in mL/hr should the nurse set the pump?

Answer mL/hr

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Answer: 3 mL/hr

Concentration: 50 mg ÷ 250 mL = 0.2 mg/mL = 200 mcg/mL. Dose: 10 mcg/min × 60 = 600 mcg/hr. Rate: 600 ÷ 200 = 3 mL/hr.

Source: Pickar. Dosage Calculations (mcg/min titrations)

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Learn high-alert drugs by their hold parameters and antidotes: digoxin, warfarin (vitamin K), heparin (protamine), opioids (naloxone), insulin, potassium.
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A nitroglycerin infusion contains 50 mg in 250 mL of D5W. The prescribed dose is 10 mcg/min. At what rate in mL/hr should the nurse set the pump?

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