A healthcare provider prescribes an IV solution of 5% dextrose in water with magnesium sulfate 4 gram/50 ml to be infused over 30 minutes. What should the nurse set as the ml/hour rate?

To determine the intravenous infusion rate in ml/hour, first, we need to establish the total volume to be infused and the duration of the infusion.

In this case, the prescribed IV solution contains magnesium sulfate in 50 ml of 5% dextrose in water. The total volume for the infusion is therefore 50 ml. The healthcare provider has specified that this volume should be infused over 30 minutes.

To calculate the infusion rate in ml/hour, we can follow these steps:

1. Convert the time duration from minutes to hours. Since 30 minutes is equal to 0.5 hours (30 minutes ÷ 60 minutes/hour = 0.5 hours).

2. Use the formula for calculating the rate:

Rate (ml/hour) = Total volume (ml) ÷ Time (hours)

Using the values:

Rate = 50 ml ÷ 0.5 hours = 100 ml/hour.

Thus, the nurse should set the infusion rate to 100 ml/hour, which aligns with the correct response. This infusion rate ensures that the prescribed volume is administered within the specified time frame, allowing for effective treatment with the medication.