A nurse is caring for a client receiving heparin infusion. The label reads 25,000 units in 500 mL D5W. The client is receiving 1,250 units per hour. How many milliliters did the client receive in an eight-hour shift?

A nurse is caring for a client receiving heparin infusion. The label reads 25,000 units in 500 mL D5W. The client is receiving 1,250 units per hour. How many milliliters did the client receive in an eight-hour shift?

• A. 200 mL
• B. 100 mL
• C. 50 mL
• D. 250 mL

Answer: (A)

In IV infusion calculations, convert the concentration to units per milliliter, then translate the required units per hour into milliliters per hour. Here, 25,000 units in 500 mL equals 50 units per mL. To deliver 1,250 units in one hour, you need 1,250 ÷ 50 = 25 mL per hour. Over eight hours, 25 mL/hour × 8 hours = 200 mL.

In IV infusion calculations, convert the concentration to units per milliliter, then translate the required units per hour into milliliters per hour. Here, 25,000 units in 500 mL equals 50 units per mL. To deliver 1,250 units in one hour, you need 1,250 ÷ 50 = 25 mL per hour. Over eight hours, 25 mL/hour × 8 hours = 200 mL.