A client has an IV solution of 5% dextrose in water with morphine added. If 14 mg of morphine is prescribed per hour, how many milliliters per hour should the nurse set the IV pump?

To determine how many milliliters per hour the IV pump should be set for a client receiving 5% dextrose in water with morphine, it’s important to know the concentration of morphine in the IV solution. The basis for calculating the required IV flow rate is the prescribed dose of morphine, which is 14 mg per hour.

If the solution contains morphine at a known concentration (for example, 2 mg/mL), you could calculate how many milliliters are needed to deliver the prescribed dose of 14 mg per hour. For instance, if the concentration is indeed 2 mg/mL, you would perform the calculation as follows:

1. Determine how many mL are needed to obtain 14 mg:

[

\text{Volume (mL)} = \frac{\text{Desired dose (mg)}}{\text{Concentration (mg/mL)}} = \frac{14 \text{ mg}}{2 \text{ mg/mL}} = 7 \text{ mL}

]

2. Knowing the flow rate in mL/hr, you would set the pump to infuse the required volume over time. If the entire IV solution is delivering 14 mg in