The nurse is starting a dopamine infusion (see image below or in attachment for medication label) for a patient weighing 176 lbs and with a blood pressure of 68/52 mmHg. The order is to start the drip at 3 mcg/kg/min. How many micrograms (mcg) will the nurse administer per minute? Round to the nearest whole number and place your answer in the first (1) blank. How many milliliters per hour will you set the pump? Round to the nearest whole number and place your answer in the second (2) blank. 2

Calculation: Given: Patient weight: 176 lbs Order: 3 mcg/kg/min Dopamine bag: 400 mg / 500 mL Convert weight to kg 176 lb ÷ 2.2 = 80 kg Calculate mcg/min Dose = 3 mcg/kg/min × 80 kg = 240 mcg/min Convert dopamine bag concentration to mcg/mL 400 mg = 400,000 mcg in 500 mL Concentration = 400,000 mcg ÷ 500 mL = 800 mcg/mL Calculate mL/min to deliver 240 mcg/min mL/min = 240 mcg/min ÷ 800 mcg/mL = 0.3 mL/min Convert mL/min to mL/hr 0.3 mL/min × 60 min/hr = 18 mL/hr