Formula sheets, the key method steps for every topic and 6 practice problems, with full solutions at the back.
Which measure helps prevent venous thromboembolism after a caesarean?
A woman with an epidural in labour now has a temperature of 38.0 °C (100.4 °F). Which statement is most accurate?
A prefilled syringe of epinephrine (adrenaline) is labelled 1:10 000 (0.1 mg/mL). The prescription is 1 mg IV in cardiac arrest. What volume V do you give?
An infusion contains 20000 units of a drug in 1000 mL. The prescription is 800 units per hour. At what rate R do you set the pump, in mL/h?
Infuse 1500 mL over 6 hours with a giving set of 10 gtt/mL. Find the drip rate R in drops per minute. Round to the nearest whole number.
A drip runs at 20 gtt/min through a set of 15 gtt/mL. There are 200 mL left in the bag. How many hours t until it is empty?
Answer: B · Early mobilisation
Early walking, adequate hydration, compression stockings or devices and anticoagulant prophylaxis for women at risk reduce VTE after caesarean. Pillows under the knees can restrict venous return.
Answer: D · The epidural may cause it, but infection must be ruled out
Epidurals are associated with a rise in maternal temperature, but this cannot be assumed. Intra-amniotic infection must be considered, especially with prolonged rupture of membranes or fetal tachycardia.
Answer: V = 10 mL
Solution strengths: a percentage strength is grams per 100 mL, so 1% = 1 g/100 mL = 10 mg/mL. A ratio strength 1:1000 means 1 g in 1000 mL = 1 mg/mL; 1:10 000 is 0.1 mg/mL. For a dilution the amount of drug stays the same: C₁·V₁ = C₂·V₂.
US labels now state mg/mL (1 mg/mL = 1:1000; 0.1 mg/mL = 1:10 000). Never give 1 mg/mL epinephrine IV push.
Answer: R = 40 mL/h
Dose calculation: the amount to give equals what is prescribed divided by what you have, times the quantity it comes in: amount = (desired dose/stock strength) × stock volume. Always keep the units the same (convert g to mg, mg to mcg first) and check that the answer is sensible.
Answer: R = 42 gtt/min
Infusion rates: a pump is set in mL/h = volume/time in hours. A gravity drip is counted in drops per minute: gtt/min = volume (mL) × drop factor (gtt/mL)/time (min). The drop factor is printed on the tubing package: macrodrip sets deliver 10, 15 or 20 gtt/mL (blood sets often 10 gtt/mL in the US, 15 in the UK) and microdrip sets 60 gtt/mL. Always use the drop factor the question or package gives.
At the bedside you round to the nearest whole drop: 42 gtt/min.
Answer: t = 2.5 h
Infusion rates: a pump is set in mL/h = volume/time in hours. A gravity drip is counted in drops per minute: gtt/min = volume (mL) × drop factor (gtt/mL)/time (min). The drop factor is printed on the tubing package: macrodrip sets deliver 10, 15 or 20 gtt/mL (blood sets often 10 gtt/mL in the US, 15 in the UK) and microdrip sets 60 gtt/mL. Always use the drop factor the question or package gives.
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