A patient weighing 66 lb (30 kg) is ordered 5 mcg/kg/min for 1 hour. How many micrograms will be delivered in 60 minutes?

• A. 9,000
• B. 150
• C. 360
• D. 3,300

Answer: (A)

The key is to multiply the dose rate by weight and by time. Since the dose is given per kilogram per minute, use weight in kilograms and duration in minutes. The patient weighs 30 kg and the infusion runs for 60 minutes, so the total amount delivered is 5 mcg/kg/min × 30 kg × 60 min = 5 × 30 × 60 = 9,000 mcg. So 9,000 micrograms would be delivered in 60 minutes. (Using kilograms is essential here—if you used pounds without converting, the result would be incorrect.)