Introduction to mcg/kg/min
Vocabulary
Inotropic – Modifying the force or speed of contraction of muscles
mcg/kg/min Conversions
Mcg/kg/min IV infusions are often used for critically ill patients, particularly those needing inotropic support. We will take the dimensional analysis method one step further to calculate weight-based continuous IV drips.
mcg/kg/min Example
A patient weighs 205 pounds. Patient is currently receiving Dobutamine at 15 mL/hr on the pump. Dobutamine is mixed as 400 mg in 250 mL of D5W.
How many mcg/kg/min is the patient receiving?
mcg/kg/min → [latex]\frac {1000mcg} {1mg}[/latex] x [latex]\frac {400mg} {250mL}[/latex] x [latex]\frac {15mL} {60min}[/latex] x [latex]\frac {2.2lbs} {1kg}[/latex] x [latex]\frac {1} {205lbs}[/latex] = [latex]4.3 mcg/kg/min[/latex]
mcg/kg/min Video Tutorial[1]
- WisTech Open. (2024, August 12). Nursing dosage calculations - mcg/kg/min [Video]. YouTube. CC BY 4.0. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnIsRm5UnqA ↵
Modifying the force or speed of contraction of muscles
