Question

a laboring client admitted to the hospital for failure to progress in labor is currently undergoing continuous fetal monitoring. the physician has ordered oxytocin augmentation to facilitate uterine contractions. the oxytocin available is provided as a 20 unit vial diluted in 1000 ml of intravenous fluid, which means the concentration is 20 mu per ml (since 20 units equals 20,000 mu). the provider has ordered an oxytocin infusion at 5 mu per minute. the client’s vital signs are as follows: temperature 36.8°c (98.2°f), pulse 85 beats per minute, respiration 18 breaths per minute, blood pressure 118/76 mmhg, and oxygen saturation 99% on room air. calculate the correct oxytocin infusion pump rate in ml per hour. record your answer to one decimal place.

Explanation:

Step1: Convert ordered dose to hourly

Ordered dose: $5\ \text{mU/min}$
Hourly dose: $5\ \text{mU/min} \times 60\ \text{min/hour} = 300\ \text{mU/hour}$

Step2: Set up ratio for infusion rate

Concentration: $20\ \text{mU/mL}$
Let $x$ = mL/hour. Use ratio:
$\frac{x\ \text{mL/hour}}{300\ \text{mU/hour}} = \frac{1\ \text{mL}}{20\ \text{mU}}$
Rearrange to solve for $x$:
$x = \frac{300}{20}\ \text{mL/hour}$

Step3: Calculate final rate

$x = 15.0\ \text{mL/hour}$

Answer:

15.0