The healthcare provider prescribes magnesium sulfate 6 grams IV to be infused over 20 minutes for client with preterm labor. The IV bag contains "Magnesium sulfate 20 grams in dextrose 5% in water 500 mL." How many mL/hour should the nurse set the infusion pump? (Eer numerical value only.)

Calculation: Determine the concentration of the solution. Available Dose = 20 grams Available Volume = 500 mL Concentration = 20 grams / 500 mL = 0.04 grams/mL Calculate the total volume (mL) containing the ordered dose Ordered Dose (D) = 6 grams Available Dose (H) = 20 grams Quantity (Q) = 500 mL Volume to Infuse (mL) = (Dose Ordered (D) / Dose Available (H)) x Quantity (Q) = (6 grams / 20 grams) x 500 mL = 0.3 x 500 mL = 150 mL Convert the infusion time from minutes to hours. Infusion Time = 20 minutes Conversion factor = 1 hour = 60 minutes Infusion Time (hours) = 20 minutes / 60 minutes/hour = 0.3333 hours Calculate the Flow Rate in mL/hour. Flow Rate (mL/hour) = Volume to Infuse (mL) / Infusion Time (hours) = 150 mL / (20/60 hours) = 150 mL x (60 / 20 hours) = 150 mL x 3 = 450 mL/hour