Dosage Calculation

[EdmontonEMT]

Hello everyone!

I've got a question about a dosage calculation.

The drug is dopamine. You have a 178 lb. patient and the dosage is 8 mcg/kg/minute. How many drops per minute, using a 250 cc bag of normal saline as the delivery mode, do you administer?

Just a little brush up skill tester I've been trying to work out, I want to see what answers I get before I attempt it.

[DabbleDuke]

I'll give you our first step... convert the 178 lbs into kg.....


But a wise medic once told me there are only three doses you need to know....... Some.... Half... or ALL!!

[EdmontonEMT]

Some, half or all. See, I wish it was that easy. I was talking to one of my brother's buddies last night and discussing the fact that even being given a little too much dopamine, or anything really, isn't a big deal. When it comes to the really finnicky drugs, they'll give those at the hospital anyway, so it's out of our hands, so it's not a big deal. I just like to be on top of things anyway.

Now I figured the conversion would be the first step. Once I convert the kilos to pounds I get 80.9 kg. Now the next logical step is to then multiply the resulting number by 8 mcg/kg/minute, and I end up with 647.27 mcg/minute. Am I right or am I totally off?

I just want to see whether I'm at all inclined in this area before I start my courses in the fall. :)

[CFerd20]

about 24 drops per minute.

[gonzo]

You call recieving for orders, and get doctor sullivan on the radio. He will not give ems any med orders of any kind. The answer then is 0. Easy problem. Whats the next one.

[EdmontonEMT]

That's an interesting answer, gonzo, thank you, but I'll take CFerd20's word for it at 24 drops.

Thanks for the help guys! I think I've got it figured out.

[Cjudkins723]

drops per minute before you get in the moving truck, or after? :tongue:

[dfd4]

2lpm nc... Thats all u need to know.

[VANILLA THUNDA]

Actually cferd20 is correct. drug requests are denied so the student doctors can give it to them. so you delayed treatment for a great reason...if the pt dies its ok because there are plenty of people around to get it right next time.

[CFerd20]

must be pretty bored to bring up old posts, I don't even remember posting that. I think I was in medic school then, ask me any drug calculations now and i'd probably just laugh and kick you in the shins.

[milf]

why in the shins? When you can kick them in the cock/cunt.:biggrin:

[CFerd20]

in the pouch...