The nurse prepares to administer a lidocaine infusion to deliver 3 mg/min. The solution available contains 2 grams of lidocaine in 500 mL of 5% dextrose. How many mL/hr should the nurse set the IV pump? Round to a whole number.

Step 1: Convert grams to milligrams 2 grams = 2,000 mg Step 2: Determine the concentration 2,000 mg in 500 mL Concentration = 2,000 ÷ 500 Concentration = 4 mg/mL Step 3: Convert mg/min to mg/hr 3 mg/min × 60 min/hr = 180 mg/hr Step 4: Calculate mL/hr mL/hr = Dose (mg/hr) ÷ Concentration (mg/mL) mL/hr = 180 ÷ 4 mL/hr = 45 Step 5: Round to the nearest whole number 45 = 45 mL/hr Final Answer: 45 mL/hr