Dosage Calculation NCLEX RN Questions Nursing Practice Question
The primary healthcare provider (PHCP) prescribes dopamine at 5 mcg/kg/minute. The client weighs 80.9 kg (177.98 lbs). The medication label reads dopamine 800 mg in 500 mL of dextrose 5% water (D5W). How many mL per hour will the nurse administer to the client? Fill in the blank. Round your answer to the nearest whole number.
Correct Answer: 15 mL/hr
Rationale: Calculate dose: 5 mcg/kg/min × 80.9 kg = 404.5 mcg/min. Convert: 800 mg = 800,000 mcg, so 800,000 mcg/500 mL = 1600 mcg/mL. Flow rate: (404.5 mcg/min ÷ 1600 mcg/mL) × 60 min/hr = 15.17 mL/hr, rounded to 15 mL/hr.