Dobutamine hydrochloride 2 mcg/kg/min is prescribed for a client weighing 165 pounds. The solution is mixed with 50 mg of dobutamine in 1,000 mL of D5W. The nurse should set the infusion pump to deliver how many mL/hour? (Enter numeric value only)

Convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms: Weight (kg) = Weight (pounds) / 2.2 pounds/kg = 165 pounds / 2.2 pounds/kg = 75 kg Calculate the prescribed dose in mcg/minute: Dose (mcg/minute) = Prescribed dose (mcg/kg/min) x Client's weight (kg) = 2 mcg/kg/min x 75 kg = 150 mcg/minute Calculate the total amount of dobutamine prescribed per hour: Dose per hour (mcg/hour) = Dose (mcg/minute) x 60 minutes/hour = 150 mcg/minute x 60 minutes/hour = 9000 mcg/hour Convert the total amount of dobutamine in the IV solution to micrograms: Total dobutamine (mcg) = Total dobutamine (mg) x 1000 mcg/mg = 50 mg x 1000 mcg/mg = 50000 mcg Determine the concentration of the dobutamine solution in mcg/mL: Concentration (mcg/mL) = Total dobutamine (mcg) / Total volume (mL) = 50000 mcg / 1000 mL = 50 mcg/mL Calculate the infusion rate in mL/hour: Infusion rate (mL/hour) = Desired dose per hour (mcg/hour) / Concentration (mcg/mL) = 9000 mcg/hour / 50 mcg/mL = 180 mL/hour