Heparin and insulin drips (units/h)
Heparin and insulin drips run in units each hour. Change between the dose in units/h and the pump rate in mL/h.
For practice only. Not for clinical use. The drug names and numbers are made up. Always follow your school's and your facility's rules.
Practice problem
0 of 0 correct · Streak: 0
The order is heparin 15 units/kg/h IV. The patient weighs 97.6 kg. The bag has 25,000 units of heparin in 250 mL. At what rate do you set the pump, in mL/h? Do not round until the last step.
Round to the nearest tenth.
- Free. No sign-up.
- No limits per day.
- Your answers stay on your device.
- One page does one job.
How to solve it
Concentration in units/mL equals the units in the bag divided by the mL in the bag. Rate in mL/h equals the dose in units/h divided by the concentration. Dose in units/h equals the rate times the concentration.
Worked example
The order is heparin 2,000 units/h IV. The bag has 25,000 units of heparin in 250 mL. At what rate do you set the pump, in mL/h?
Solution
- Strength: 25,000 units ÷ 250 mL = 100 units/mL.
- 2,000 units/h ÷ 100 units/mL = 20 mL/h.
Formula: mL/h = (units/h ordered) ÷ (units per mL)
Answer: 20 mL/h
Questions
How do I find the units in each mL?
Divide the units in the bag by the mL in the bag. For example, 25,000 units in 250 mL is 100 units/mL.
How do I find the pump rate for a dose in units/h?
Divide the dose in units/h by the units in each mL. For example, 1,200 units/h from 100 units/mL is 12 mL/h.
How do I find the dose from the pump rate?
Multiply the rate in mL/h by the units in each mL. For example, 12 mL/h of 100 units/mL is 1,200 units/h.
Why do nurses check these doses twice?
Heparin and insulin are high-alert drugs. A small error can hurt the person. Many facilities need a second nurse to check the dose.