A patient is ordered a continuous heparin infusion at 16 units/kg/hr. The patient weighs 176lbs. Heparin is supplied in 50000 units/500mL. At what rate will the nurse set the pump?

1. Convert pounds to kilograms: 176 lbs/2.20462 kg =80 kg 2. Calculate the desired heparin infusion rate: 16 units/kg/hr x 80kg = 1280 units/hr 3. Determine the concentration of heparin in the solution: 50000 units / 500 mL = 100 units/mL 4. Calculate the infusion rate in millilitres per hour: 1280 units/hr / 100 units/mL =12.8 mL/hr