The rate of administration stated in the drug book typically refers to the maximum time (slowest rate) at which the medication can be administered

QUESTION

6. When the drug book states the rate of administration, is this the minimum time (fastest rate) or maximum time (slowest rate) at which the medication can be administrated? 7. Ordered: Levaquin 500 mg IV q 24 hours Available: Levaquin 500 mg in 100 mL of D5W How fast can you administer the medication? What will you set the pump rate at? 8. Ordered: Vancomycin 1.5 gram every 12 hours IV (Make sure to look at save dose for administration) Available: Vancomycin 1.5 Gram in 300 mL of NS How fast can you administer the medication? What will you set the pump rate at? 9. Ordered: Vancomycin one gram every 12 hours IV Available: Vancomycin one gram in 200 mL of NS Note: make sure to refer to your IV drug book for recommended infusion rates What will you set the pump at? 10. Ordered: Replace K+ per protocol. Patients K+ is 3.4 The patient is strict NPO and needs 30 mEq of K+ How will you administer 30 mEq of K+ IV? Are there any precautions? The medication is available in K+ 10 mEq per 100 mL Determine the pump rate and how will you administer.

ANSWER

Rate of Administration in Drug Book

The rate of administration stated in the drug book typically refers to the maximum time (slowest rate) at which the medication can be administered. This ensures that the medication is infused safely and effectively without causing harm to the patient.

Levaquin 500 mg IV q 24 hours

Levaquin is available in 100 mL of D5W. To calculate the infusion rate:
Infusion rate = Volume (mL) / Time (h)
Infusion rate = 100 mL / 24 h = 4.17 mL/h

So, the pump rate should be set at approximately 4.17 mL/h.

 Vancomycin 1.5 gram every 12 hours IV

Vancomycin is available in 300 mL of NS. To calculate the infusion rate:
Infusion rate = Volume (mL) / Time (h)
Infusion rate = 300 mL / 12 h = 25 mL/h

So, the pump rate should be set at 25 mL/h.

Vancomycin one gram every 12 hours IV

Vancomycin is available in 200 mL of NS. Consult the IV drug book for recommended infusion rates for one gram of Vancomycin.

Replace K+ per protocol

Since the patient is NPO, the medication needs to be administered intravenously. With K+ available as 10 mEq per 100 mL, you need 300 mL to administer 30 mEq (30 mL of K+). To calculate the pump rate:
Infusion rate = Volume (mL) / Time (h)
Infusion rate = 300 mL / Time (h)

Be sure to follow institutional protocols for potassium administration, as rapid infusion can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. The pump rate should be set to ensure a safe and controlled administration, considering the patient’s NPO status and the risk of hyperkalemia.

Always consult the drug book and follow institutional policies to ensure accurate and safe medication administration.