Heparin protocol practice problems
Work each problem on paper first, rounding as the question says. Then open the answer to check it and see every step.
For study and exam practice, not for patient care. The orders in these problems are written for practice. In the clinic, follow the prescriber's order, your facility's protocols, and your pharmacy.
Problem 1
Per the weight-based heparin protocol, give a bolus of 80 units/kg, then start an infusion at 18 units/kg/hr. The client weighs 85 kg. Available: heparin 12,500 units in 250 mL. At how many mL/hr should the nurse set the infusion pump? Record your answer using 1 decimal place.
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Answer: 30.6 mL/hr
- Concentration = 12,500 units ÷ 250 mL = 50 units/mL.
- Dose = 18 units/kg/hr × 85 kg = 1,530 units/hr.
- mL/hr = 1,530 units/hr ÷ 50 units/mL = 30.6 mL/hr.
- 30.6 mL/hr is exact, so no rounding is needed.
Problem 2
The nurse is caring for a client who weighs 47 kg and is following the weight-based heparin protocol. The protocol calls for a bolus of 80 units/kg, then an infusion at 18 units/kg/hr. The nurse has heparin 12,500 units in 250 mL available. How many units should the nurse give as the bolus? Record your answer using a whole number.
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Answer: 3,760 units
- Bolus = 80 units/kg × 47 kg = 3,760 units.
- 3,760 units is exact, so no rounding is needed.
Problem 3
Per the weight-based heparin protocol, give a bolus of 80 units/kg, then start an infusion at 18 units/kg/hr. The client weighs 103 kg. Available: heparin 12,500 units in 250 mL. How many units should the nurse give as the bolus? Record your answer using a whole number.
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Answer: 8,240 units
- Bolus = 80 units/kg × 103 kg = 8,240 units.
- 8,240 units is exact, so no rounding is needed.
Problem 4
The nurse is caring for a client who weighs 58 kg and is on a weight-based heparin protocol. The prescription is for a bolus of 80 units/kg, followed by an infusion at 18 units/kg/hr. The nurse has heparin 25,000 units in 250 mL available. How many units should the nurse give as the bolus? Record your answer using a whole number.
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Answer: 4,640 units
- Bolus = 80 units/kg × 58 kg = 4,640 units.
- 4,640 units is exact, so no rounding is needed.
Problem 5
The nurse is caring for a client who weighs 86 kg and has a prescription for a weight-based heparin protocol: a bolus of 80 units/kg, then an infusion at 18 units/kg/hr. The nurse has heparin 12,500 units in 250 mL available. How many units should the nurse give as the bolus? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 6,880 units
- Bolus = 80 units/kg × 86 kg = 6,880 units.
- 6,880 units is exact, so no rounding is needed.
Problem 6
A client receiving treatment for a clot is being managed with a weight-based heparin protocol. Per the weight-based heparin protocol, give a bolus of 80 units/kg, then start an infusion at 18 units/kg/hr. The client weighs 101 kg. Available: heparin 25,000 units in 250 mL. How many units should the nurse give as the bolus? Record your answer using a whole number.
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Answer: 8,080 units
- Bolus = 80 units/kg × 101 kg = 8,080 units.
- 8,080 units is exact, so no rounding is needed.
Problem 7
The nurse is caring for a client who weighs 89 kg and has a prescription for a weight-based heparin protocol. The protocol calls for a bolus of 80 units/kg, then an infusion at 18 units/kg/hr. The nurse has heparin 12,500 units in 250 mL available. How many units should the nurse give as the bolus? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 7,120 units
- Bolus = 80 units/kg × 89 kg = 7,120 units.
- 7,120 units is exact, so no rounding is needed.
Problem 8
The nurse is caring for a client who has a weight-based heparin protocol. The prescription is a bolus of 80 units/kg, then an infusion at 18 units/kg/hr. The client weighs 71 kg. The nurse has heparin 12,500 units in 250 mL available. How many units should the nurse give as the bolus? Record your answer using a whole number.
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Answer: 5,680 units
- Bolus = 80 units/kg × 71 kg = 5,680 units.
- 5,680 units is exact, so no rounding is needed.
Problem 9
Per the weight-based heparin protocol, give a bolus of 80 units/kg, then start an infusion at 18 units/kg/hr. The client weighs 98 kg. Available: heparin 12,500 units in 250 mL. At how many mL/hr should the nurse set the infusion pump? Record your answer using 1 decimal place.
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Answer: 35.3 mL/hr
- Concentration = 12,500 units ÷ 250 mL = 50 units/mL.
- Dose = 18 units/kg/hr × 98 kg = 1,764 units/hr.
- mL/hr = 1,764 units/hr ÷ 50 units/mL = 35.28 mL/hr.
- Below 100 mL/hr the pump is set to the nearest tenth: 35.3 mL/hr.
Problem 10
Per the weight-based heparin protocol, give a bolus of 80 units/kg, then start an infusion at 18 units/kg/hr. The client weighs 60 kg. Available: heparin 12,500 units in 250 mL. At how many mL/hr should the nurse set the infusion pump? Record your answer using 1 decimal place.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 21.6 mL/hr
- Concentration = 12,500 units ÷ 250 mL = 50 units/mL.
- Dose = 18 units/kg/hr × 60 kg = 1,080 units/hr.
- mL/hr = 1,080 units/hr ÷ 50 units/mL = 21.6 mL/hr.
- 21.6 mL/hr is exact, so no rounding is needed.
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