A client weighing 198 lbs is prescribed Dopamine hydrochloride IV at 2 mcg/kg/minute to promote renal perfusion. The pharmacy provides a pre-mixed bag of dopamine containing 400 mg in 250 mL dextrose 5% in water (D5W). An IV pump that provides a precision infusion rate to a tenth of a mL is available. How many mL/hour should the IV pump be set to deliver? (Enter numeric value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth.)

Step 1: Convert the client’s weight from lbs to kg. 1 kg is approximately 2.2 lbs. So, 198 lbs ÷ 2.2 = 90 kg (rounded to the nearest whole number). Step 2: Calculate the total mcg of Dopamine needed per minute. The prescription is for 2 mcg/kg/minute. So, 90 kg × 2 mcg/kg/minute = 180 mcg/minute. Step 3: Convert the total mcg of Dopamine in the bag to mcg/mL. The bag contains 400 mg of Dopamine in 250 mL. 1 mg is equal to 1000 mcg. So, 400 mg × 1000 = 400,000 mcg. Therefore, the concentration is 400,000 mcg ÷ 250 mL = 1600 mcg/mL. Step 4: Calculate the mL of Dopamine needed per minute. So, 180 mcg/minute ÷ 1600 mcg/mL = 0.1125 mL/minute. Step 5: Convert mL/minute to mL/hour. There are 60 minutes in an hour. So, 0.1125 mL/minute × 60 = 6.75 mL/hour. The IV pump should be set to deliver 6.8 mL/hour (rounded to the nearest tenth).