How many mcg/kg/minute is a client receiving if they are on a nitroprusside infusion of 50 mg in 250 ml at 75 ml/hour?

To determine the dosage in mcg/kg/minute for a client receiving a nitroprusside infusion, follow these steps:

1. Convert the nitroprusside dose from mg to mcg:

Since 1 mg equals 1000 mcg, a 50 mg dose converts to 50,000 mcg (50 mg x 1000 mcg/mg).

2. Determine the concentration of the solution:

The nitroprusside is in a total volume of 250 ml. This means that the concentration of the solution is calculated as follows:

[

\text{Concentration} = \frac{50,000 \text{ mcg}}{250 \text{ ml}} = 200 \text{ mcg/ml}

]

3. Calculate the total mcg being infused per hour:

Since the infusion rate is 75 ml/hour, you can find out how much mcg the client is receiving hourly:

[

\text{Infusion Rate} = 75 \text{ ml/hour} \times 200 \text{ mcg/ml} = 15,000 \text{ mcg/hour}

]