1) The order reads Heparin 20,000 U (units) in 500 mL sodium chloride 0.9% to infuse at 5U/hr via IV pump. How many ml/hr should be administered?

According to the order, to administer 5 U/hr of the Heparin solution, 0.125 ml/hr should be administered.

Explanation:

Heparin is an anticoagulant that is administered parenterally, subcutaneously or intravenously.

If 20000 U are diluted in a 500 ml solution, to pass 5 U/hr to the patient, it must be established how many milliliters must be passed in 1 hour.

Knowing that the concentration of Heparin in the sodium chloride solution is 20000 in 500 ml, which is equivalent to 40 U/ml, the calculation is made:

40 U 1 ml

5 OR X

X = (5 X 1)/ 40

X = 0.125 ml /hr

In the infusion pump, the amount of Heparin solution to be passed in 1 hour is 0.125 ml.

communicate with the patient and explain every step before proceeding to do so