Nitroglycerin 125 mg diluted in 500 mL of D5W (dextrose 5% in water) is infusing at a rate of 42 mcg/minute for a patient with chest pain.
What rate (in mL/hr) should the nurse program into the IV pump to deliver this dose? Round your answer to the nearest tenth.
6.5 mL/hr
9.6 mL/hr
10.1 mL/hr
14.8 mL/hr
The Correct Answer is A
To find the rate in mL/hr, you need to calculate the following:
- The concentration of nitroglycerin in the IV solution in mcg/mL
- The infusion rate in mL/hr using the formula: Infusion rate (mL/h) = (Dose (mcg/min) x 60 min/h) / Concentration (mcg/mL)
First, convert the concentration of nitroglycerin from mg to mcg by multiplying by 1000:
125 mg x 1000 = 125,000 mcg
Then, divide the amount of nitroglycerin by the volume of the IV solution to get the concentration in mcg/mL:
125,000 mcg / 500 mL = 250 mcg/mL
Next, plug in the values into the formula for infusion rate:
Infusion rate (mL/h) = (42 mcg/min x 60 min/h) / 250 mcg/mL
Simplify and solve for the infusion rate:
Infusion rate (mL/h) = 10.08 mL/h
Therefore, the nurse should program the IV pump to deliver **10.1 mL/h** to infuse nitroglycerin at 42 mcg/minute.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Subcutaneous injection is the usual route for giving insulin because it allows the medication to be absorbed slowly and steadily into the bloodstream. Subcutaneous injection involves inserting a needle into the faty layer of tissue under the skin, usually in the abdomen, upper arm, thigh, or butock.
Intramuscular injection is not the usual route for giving insulin because it may cause rapid and unpredictable absorption of the medication, which can lead to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Intramuscular injection involves inserting a needle into the muscle tissue, usually in the deltoid, vastus lateralis, or ventrogluteal area.
Intraosseous injection is not the usual route for giving insulin because it is reserved for emergency situations when intravenous access is not available. Intraosseous injection involves inserting a needle into the bone marrow, usually in the tibia or humerus.
Intradermal injection is not the usual route for giving insulin because it is mainly used for diagnostic tests, such as tuberculin skin test or allergy test. Intradermal injection involves inserting a needle into the dermis, which is the layer of skin just below the epidermis, usually in the forearm or upper back.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This statement is correct because the abdomen has a large surface area and a good blood supply, which allows for a consistent and predictable absorption of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels and needs to be delivered in precise doses to avoid complications such as hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose).
The abdomen is also easy to access and has less variation in fat thickness, which reduces the risk of injecting into the muscle or the skin instead of the subcutaneous tissue. The subcutaneous tissue is the layer of fat and connective tissue below the skin and above the muscle, where insulin injections are given.
The other statements are not correct because they do not explain why the abdomen is the preferred site for subcutaneous insulin injections or they contain false information.
a.It is the least painful location for this injection. This statement is false because pain is subjective and depends on many factors, such as the type and size of the needle, the technique and speed of injection, the temperature and viscosity of the insulin, and the individual's pain tolerance and sensitivity. The abdomen may not be the least painful location for everyone, and some people may prefer other sites, such as the arms, thighs, or butocks.
b.There are fewer insulin side effects when given in this site. This statement is false because insulin side effects are not related to the site of injection, but to the dose, type, and timing of insulin, as well as the individual's response to insulin and other factors, such as diet, exercise, stress, illness, and medications. Insulin side effects may include hypoglycemia, weight gain, allergic reactions, lipodystrophy (changes in fat tissue), or edema (swelling).
c.It causes less bruising at the site. This statement is false because bruising is caused by bleeding under the skin due to damage to blood vessels during injection. Bruising can occur at any site of injection and depends on many factors, such as the type and size of the needle, the technique and speed of injection, the pressure applied after injection, the individual's clotting ability and blood thinning medications, and the presence of any underlying conditions that affect blood vessels or circulation.

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