A 55-year-old man on ICU with septic shock is on noradrenaline 0.3 mcg/kg/min. The pharmacist notes that the noradrenaline concentration is 4 mg in 50...

Question

A 55-year-old man on ICU with septic shock is on noradrenaline 0.3 mcg/kg/min. The pharmacist notes that the noradrenaline concentration is 4 mg in 50 mL (80 mcg/mL). The pump is running at 13.5 mL/hr. The patient weighs 90 kg. Is the pump rate correct for the prescribed dose?

Accepted Answer

The dose should be verified: 0.3 mcg/kg/min × 90 kg = 27 mcg/min. At 80 mcg/mL, this requires 27/80 = 0.3375 mL/min = 20.25 mL/hr. The current rate of 13.5 mL/hr delivers only 18 mcg/min = 0.2 mcg/kg/min - this is UNDERDOSING and the rate needs to be increased to approximately 20 mL/hr

Answer

Yes - the pump rate is correct

Answer

The pump should be stopped

Answer

The concentration should be changed

Answer

Drug calculations are the pharmacist's responsibility only

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): Vasopressor Dose Calculation

A 55-year-old man on ICU with septic shock is on noradrenaline 0.3 mcg/kg/min. The pharmacist notes that the noradrenaline concentration is 4 mg in 50 mL (80 mcg/mL). The pump is running at 13.5 mL/hr. The patient weighs 90 kg. Is the pump rate correct for the prescribed dose?