The physician orders vancomycin 1.5 g over 90 minutes. The medication is supplied as 1500 mg in 250 mL of 0.9% saline. How many mL/hour should be infused?

The physician orders vancomycin 1.5 g over 90 minutes. The medication is supplied as 1500 mg in 250 mL of 0.9% saline. How many mL/hour should be infused?

• A. 150 mL/hr
• B. 167 mL/hr
• C. 180 mL/hr
• D. 200 mL/hr

Answer: (B)

Infusion rate is found by dividing the volume to be infused by the time over which it’s given, using consistent units. The ordered dose, 1.5 g, is provided in 250 mL of solution, and it’s to be given over 90 minutes. Convert 90 minutes to hours: 90 minutes = 1.5 hours. So the rate = 250 mL ÷ 1.5 h = 166.7 mL/h, which rounds to 167 mL/h. This rate ensures the entire 250 mL is infused over the 90-minute period.

Infusion rate is found by dividing the volume to be infused by the time over which it’s given, using consistent units. The ordered dose, 1.5 g, is provided in 250 mL of solution, and it’s to be given over 90 minutes. Convert 90 minutes to hours: 90 minutes = 1.5 hours. So the rate = 250 mL ÷ 1.5 h = 166.7 mL/h, which rounds to 167 mL/h. This rate ensures the entire 250 mL is infused over the 90-minute period.