A client requires IV insulin. The pharmacy sends up a bag labeled 1,000 units of insulin in a 250 mL bag of 0.9% NaCl. The pump is set to infuse at 5 mL/hr. How much insulin does the client receive per hour?

  1. 20 units/hour
  2. 50 units/hour
  3. 25 units/hour
  4. 15 units/hour
Number 1 is correct.
Solution: Find the number of units of insulin per milliliter: 1,000 units/250 mL = 4 units/mL . Multiply the number of units per milliliter by the milliliters per hour to find the number of units administered per hour: 4 units/mL × ٥ mL/hr = 20 units/hr .