Titration in Nursing: Adjusting an Infusion to Ordered Parameters
Shows the work. Every example is computed with the formula and numbered steps. For study and exam practice, not for patient care.
Titration: Adjusting a medication's dose in steps, based on the client's response and the parameters in the order, until a target is reached.
To titrate is to raise or lower a dose in steps until the client reaches a target, such as a blood pressure or a lab value. A titration order states the starting dose, how much to change it, how often, the target, and the maximum dose. The nurse assesses, adjusts within those limits, and reassesses.
Titration is listed in the NCLEX-RN test plan: “Titrate dosage of medication based on assessment and ordered parameters” is one of the activities under Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies.
Every titration step is a new calculation. When the order is weight-based, convert the new dose to a pump rate each time.
A dopamine infusion of 400 mg in 250 mL is titrated to 5 mcg/kg/min for a client who weighs 80 kg. What is the new pump rate?
- Solve for
- Pump rate (mL/hr)
- Ordered dose
- 5 mcg/kg/min
- Weight
- 80 kg
- Drug in the bag
- 400 mg
- Bag volume
- 250 mL
Formula mL/hr = mcg/kg/min × kg × 60 ÷ mcg per mL.
- Concentration = 400,000 mcg ÷ 250 mL = 1,600 mcg/mL.
- Dose per hour = 5 mcg/kg/min × 80 kg × 60 min/hr = 24,000 mcg/hr.
- mL/hr = 24,000 mcg/hr ÷ 1,600 mcg/mL = 15 mL/hr.
- 15 mL/hr is exact, so no rounding is needed.
Answer 15 mL/hr
Sources
- NCLEX-RN Test Plan, effective April 2026 — National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
- Clinical Calculations: With Applications to General and Specialty Areas — Elsevier (Kee, Marshall, et al.)