A client who weighs 91 kg receives a prescription for a continuous infusion of dopamine at 3 mcg/kg/min. The solution is labeled, "Dopamine 400 mg in 5% Dextrose Injection 250 mL." How many mL/hr should the nurse program the infusion pump to deliver? (Enter numeric value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth).

Calculation: Calculate the total dose per minute and convert to milligrams per hour. Total dose (mcg/min) = Patient weight (kg) x Ordered dose (mcg/kg/min) = 91 kg x 3 mcg/kg/min = 273 mcg/min Convert to mg/hr: Total dose (mg/hr) = (273 mcg/min / 1000 mcg/mg) x 60 min/hr = 0.273 mg/min x 60 min/hr = 16.38 mg/hr. Identify the available concentration. Available concentration = Total drug amount / Total volume = 400 mg / 250 mL = 1.6 mg/mL. Calculate the infusion rate in milliliters per hour (mL/hr). Infusion rate (mL/hr) = Desired dose (mg/hr) / Available concentration (mg/mL) = 16.38 mg/hr / 1.6 mg/mL = 10.2375 mL/hr. Round to the nearest tenth. = 10.2 mL/hr.