The client has a nitroprusside drip infusing at 0.3 mcg/kg/min. The concentration is 50 mg nitroprusside in 250 mL D5W. The client weighs 70 kg. What will the IV infusion rate be?

The infusion rate is 7mL/hr.

Solve using the formula: (ordered amount of drug × weight in kg × 60 (min per hour))/drug concentration = mL/hour. Find dose per milliliters: (50 mg nitroprusside)/250 mL D5W = 0.2 mg/mL. Convert milligrams to micrograms: 0.2 × 1000 = 200 mcg/mL. Input into formula and solve: (0.3 (ordered amount) × 70 kg × 60 min)/200 mcg per mL. 1260/200 = 6.3 mL/hr Round up to find the IV infusion rate: = 7 mL/hr.