The healthcare provider has ordered 1000 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride to be administered intravenously over 5 hours. The drop factor on the tubing is 15 drops/mL. How many milliliters per hour will you administer and how many drops per minute?

A. Diabetes: Diabetes is not typically a contraindication for decongestant use. However, patients with diabetes should be cautious with decongestants that contain sugar or other ingredients that may affect blood glucose levels.

B. Hypertension: Decongestants can cause vasoconstriction, which may lead to an increase in blood pressure. Patients with hypertension should use decongestants cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare provider to avoid exacerbating their condition.
C. Hyperthyroidism: While decongestants can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and may exacerbate symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as tachycardia and palpitations, hyperthyroidism is not typically considered a contraindication for decongestant use. However, patients with hyperthyroidism should use decongestants cautiously and consult with their healthcare provider.

D. Heart disease: Decongestants can increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially exacerbating symptoms in patients with underlying heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, or arrhythmias. Patients with heart disease should use decongestants cautiously and consult with their healthcare provider before use.

E. Allergic rhinitis: Allergic rhinitis is not typically a contraindication for decongestant use. In fact, decongestants are often used to relieve nasal congestion associated with allergic rhinitis. However, patients with allergic rhinitis should use decongestants cautiously and follow the recommended dosage instructions.

To calculate the rate of administration in milliliters per hour (mL/hr):

Given the total volume to be infused: 1000 mL

Given the total time for infusion: 5 hours

Divide the total volume by the total time to find the rate of administration per hour:

1000 mL ÷ 5 hours = 200 mL/hr

Therefore, the rate of administration will be 200 mL/hr.

To calculate the rate of administration in drops per minute (drops/min):

Given the drop factor: 15 drops/mL

Given the total volume to be infused: 1000 mL

Given the total time for infusion: 5 hours

First, find the total drops:

Total drops = Total volume × Drop factor

Total drops = 1000 mL × 15 drops/mL = 15,000 drops

Next, find the rate of drops per minute:

Rate of drops per minute = Total drops ÷ Total time in minutes

As there are 5 hours in total, we multiply by 60 to convert hours to minutes:

Rate of drops per minute = 15,000 drops ÷ (5 hours × 60 minutes/hour) = 50 drops/min

Therefore, the rate of administration will be 200 mL/hr and 50 drops/min.