Pharmacology Proctored ATI Practice Exam

Heparin is often administered as a continuous infusion to prevent blood clot formation. In this case, the healthcare provider has ordered heparin to be administered at a rate of 1,200 units/hr. The pharmacy has provided a concentration of 25,000 units in 500 mL of D5W.

To calculate the rate at which the pump should be set, we can use the formula:

(Rate desired * Volume desired) / Volume on hand = mL/hr

Plugging in the numbers:

(1,200 units/hr * Volume desired) / 25,000 units = mL/hr

Solving for the volume desired:

Volume desired = (1,200 * 25,000) / 25,000 = 1,200

Therefore, the pump should be set at 24.0 mL/hr to deliver the ordered dose of heparin.

Option A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the correct calculation for the infusion rate of heparin in this scenario.