DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

Dr Musa
 Learning objective
Solve simple problems by using Dimensional Analysis.
Identify some common units of measurement and their
abbreviations.
Construct unit fractions from equivalences.
Convert a quantity expressed with a single unit of
measurement to an equivalent quantity with another
single unit of measurement.
Convert a quantity expressed as a rate to another rate.
Solve complex problems using Dimensional Analysis.
• Using the dimensional analysis format to solve oral dosage
problems
• Using the dimensional analysis format to solve parenteral dosage
problems
• Using the dimensional analysis format to solve problems of
intravenous flow rate in drops per minute
• Using the dimensional analysis format to solve problems involving
administration of medications in units per hour
• Using the dimensional analysis format to solve problems involving
administration of medications in milligrams per minute, micrograms
per minute, and micrograms per kilogram per minute
• Using the dimensional analysis format to solve pediatric and
obstetrical dosage problems
 Terms
• GIVEN QUANTITY:
 Doctor’s order
 Dosage to be given
 Beginning point of the problem
• WANTED QUANTITY:
 What you desire
 Answer to the problem
• UNIT EQUIVALENCY:
 Value of equivalencies between two different units
• CONVERSION FACTORS:
 Unit Equivalent expressed in fraction
 Help to cancel out unwanted units from the problem
• UNIT PATH:
 Series of conversions necessary to achieve the answer to the
problem
• UNIT:
 A dimension that is given to a number
 Mathematical foundation for
dimensional analysis
• Concept 1:
• when a non zero quantity is divided by the
same amount the result is 1

• Concept 2:
• When a quantity is multiply by 1, the quantity
is unchanged
• There is more than one way to set up a dimensional
analysis equation. You can begin with:
 the given quantity (desired dose)
 A unit equivalent who has a unit similar to the numerator
unit of the wanted quantity (x).
• There are four ways to set up the equation. No matter
which fraction placement you use, the equation is
designed for multiplication and cancellation. Three of
the following examples start with the given quantity,
and one starts with the wanted quantity. One problem
will be used to demonstrate each of the four
approaches.
 METHODS
In both methods identify the dimensions of the wanted
Quantity:

• SEQUENTIAL:
The conversion factors are place in the Unit Path such that the
dimensions sequentially cancels those adjacent to them. Begin
with either
 Given quantity
 A unit equivalence with one of its units similar to the numerator unit of the
wanted quantity
• RANDOM:
The conversion factors are randomly place in the Unit Path such
that the dimensions may cancels those away from to them. Begin
with either
 Given Quantity
 Wanted Quantity
 EXAMPLE
• The physician has ordered 500mL D5W with 5units
oxytocin intravenously. Begin at 5mU/min and then
increase by 5mU every 30minutes until active labor is
achieved. Maximum dose is 30mU/min.
a. Calculate the IV rate (ml/hr) for the beginning infusion
b. Calculate the IV drip rate for the beginning infusion.
c. What is the maximum IV rate the Pitocin infusion may
be set for?
d. What is the maximum IV drip rate the Pitocin infusion
may be set for?
 Sequential Method 1
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
• Identify the Wanted Quantity and Unit↔ 𝑚𝑖𝑛
• Identify the Unit Equivalencies and Conversion Factors write them as Unit equivalencies
 5𝑈 = 500𝑚𝑙; 1U = 1000mU; 20drops = ml; 1hr = 60min; 30mIU = min
30𝑚𝑈
• Identify the Given Quantity with Unit↔ 𝑚𝑖𝑛
• Create a unit paths
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
 Write dimensions of wanted quantity as Conversion factor to begin the equation:
𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
 Write an equals to: =
𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 30𝑚𝑈
 Write the given Quantity as Conversion Factor: =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑖𝑛
 Add the rest of Unit Equivalencies as multiples of Conversion factors so that one of the Unwanted Unit of
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 30𝑚𝑈
the preceding variable is cancelled out by an Unwanted unit of the succeeding variable: = ×
1𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑖𝑛
× ×
1000𝑚𝑈 5𝑈 𝑚𝑙

 This process continue until all the Unwanted units are cancelled out leaving only the desire(Wanted
dimension ie the Dimensions of Wanted Quantity)

𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 30𝑚𝑈 1𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 300000𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠

 Multiple the numerators: = × × × =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑖𝑛 1000𝑚𝑈 5𝑈 𝑚𝑙

𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 30𝑚𝑈 1𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 300000𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠

 Multiple the denominators: = × × × =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑖𝑛 1000𝑚𝑈 5𝑈 𝑚𝑙 5000𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 30𝑚𝑈 1𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 300000𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠

 Divide the results: = × × × = = 60
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑖𝑛 1000𝑚𝑈 5𝑈 𝑚𝑙 5000𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑖𝑛
 SEQUENTIAL METHODS1a
• Wanted quantity↔ 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒
𝑚𝑙
 Dimensions of Wanted Quantity↔ ℎ𝑟
• Unit Equivalencies(Conversion Factors)
 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 = 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈
 500𝑚𝑙 = 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡
 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 1ℎ𝑟
 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛
5𝑚𝐼𝑈
• Given Quantity↔ 𝑚𝑖𝑛
• Unit Path Way
𝑚𝑙
 = ℎ𝑟

5𝑚𝐼𝑈 𝑚𝑙
 =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑟

5𝑚𝐼𝑈 1𝑢𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑚𝑙
 × 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑟

5𝑚𝐼𝑈 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 500𝑚𝑙 𝑚𝑙

 × 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 × =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑟

5𝑚𝐼𝑈 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 500𝑚𝑙 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑙

 × 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 × × =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑟 ℎ𝑟

5𝑚𝐼𝑈 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 500𝑚𝑙 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 150000𝑚𝑙

 × 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 × × =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑟 5000ℎ𝑟

5𝑚𝐼𝑈 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 500𝑚𝑙 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 150000𝑚𝑙 30𝑚𝑙

 × 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 × × = =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑟 5000ℎ𝑟 ℎ𝑟
 SEQUENTIAL METHODS 1b
• Wanted quantity↔ 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒
𝑚𝑙
 Dimensions of Wanted Quantity↔ ℎ𝑟
• Unit Equivalencies(Conversion Factors)
 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 = 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈
 500𝑚𝑙 = 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡
 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 1ℎ𝑟
 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛
5𝑚𝐼𝑈
• Given Quantity↔ 𝑚𝑖𝑛
• Unit Path Way
𝑚𝑙
 =
ℎ𝑟

𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈
 =
ℎ𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 1𝑢𝑖𝑛𝑡
 = × 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈
ℎ𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 500𝑚𝑙

 = × 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 ×
ℎ𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡

𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 500𝑚𝑙 60𝑚𝑖𝑛

 = × 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 × ×
ℎ𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑟

𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 500𝑚𝑙 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 150000𝑚𝑙

 = × 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 × × =
ℎ𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑟 5000ℎ𝑟

𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 500𝑚𝑙 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 150000𝑚𝑙 30𝑚𝑙

 = × 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 × × = =
ℎ𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑟 5000ℎ𝑟 ℎ𝑟
 Sequential Method 2
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
• Identify the Wanted Quantity and Unit↔ 𝑚𝑖𝑛
• Identify the Unit Equivalencies and Conversion Factors write them as Unit equivalencies
• 5𝑈 = 500𝑚𝑙; 1U = 1000mU; 20drops = ml; 1hr = 60min; 30mU = min
• Create a unit paths
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
 Write dimensions of wanted quantity as Conversion factor to begin the equation:
𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
 Write an equals to: =
𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
 Begin with a Unit Equivalent that has drops as one of its dimension : =
𝑚𝑖𝑛
 unit equivalent with drops as its one of its dimension: 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 = 𝑚𝑙
 Write the Unit Equivalent as conversion factor with it numerator unit similar to that of the wanted
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
Quantity: =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑙
 Add the subsequent conversion factors so that their numerator dimension is similar to the denominator
unit of the preceding conversion factor. This will allow Unwanted quantity to cancel each other leaving
only the Wanted dimensions.
 This process continue until all the Unwanted units are cancelled out leaving only the desire(Wanted
dimension ie the Dimensions of Wanted Quantity)

𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑈 30𝑚𝑈 300000𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠

 Multiple the numerators: = × × × =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑙 5𝑈 1000𝑚𝑈 𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑈 30𝑚𝑈 300000𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠

 Multiple the denominators: : = × × × =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑙 5𝑈 1000𝑚𝑈 𝑚𝑖𝑛 5000𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑈 30𝑚𝑈 300000𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠

 Divide the results: : = × × × = = 60
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑙 5𝑈 1000𝑚𝑈 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑖𝑛
 SEQUENTIAL METHOD 2a
a. Wanted Quantity↔ 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒
𝑚𝑙
 Dimension of wanted Quantity↔ ℎ𝑟
b. Unit Equivalencies (conversion Factors)
 500𝑚𝑙 = 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡
 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 = 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈
 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛
 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 1ℎ𝑟
c. Unit Path Way
𝑚𝑙
 =
ℎ𝑟

500𝑚𝑙 𝑚𝑙
 =
5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑟

500𝑚𝑙 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑚𝑙
 × =
5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 ℎ𝑟

500𝑚𝑙 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 𝑚𝑙

 × × =
5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 𝑚𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑟

500𝑚𝑙 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑙

 × × × =
5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 𝑚𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑟 ℎ𝑟

500𝑚𝑙 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 150000𝑚𝑙

 × × × =
5unit 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 𝑚𝑖𝑛 1ℎ𝑟 5000ℎ𝑟

500𝑚𝑙 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 150000𝑚𝑙 30𝑚𝑙

 × × × = =
5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 𝑚𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑟 5000ℎ𝑟 ℎ𝑟
 SEQUENTIAL METHOD 2b
a. Wanted Quantity↔ 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒
𝑚𝑙
 Dimension of wanted Quantity↔ ℎ𝑟
b. Unit Equivalencies (conversion Factors)
 500𝑚𝑙 = 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡
 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 = 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈
 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛
 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 1ℎ𝑟
c. Unit Path Way
𝑚𝑙
 =
ℎ𝑟

𝑚𝑙 500𝑚𝑙
 =
ℎ𝑟 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡

𝑚𝑙 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡
 = ×
ℎ𝑟 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈

𝑚𝑙 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 5𝑚𝐼𝑈

 = × ×
ℎ𝑟 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑚𝑙 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 60𝑚𝑖𝑛

 = × × ×
ℎ𝑟 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 𝑚𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑟

𝑚𝑙 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 150000𝑚𝑙

 = × × × =
ℎ𝑟 5unit 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 𝑚𝑖𝑛 1ℎ𝑟 5000ℎ𝑟

𝑚𝑙 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 150000𝑚𝑙 30𝑚𝑙

 = × × × = =
ℎ𝑟 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 𝑚𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑟 5000ℎ𝑟 ℎ𝑟
 RANDOM METHOD 1
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
• Identify the Wanted Quantity and Unit↔
𝑚𝑖𝑛
• Identify the Unit Equivalencies and Conversion Factors write them as Unit
equivalents
 5𝑈 = 500𝑚𝑙; 1U = 1000mU; 20drops = ml; 1hr = 60min; 30mIU = min
30𝑚𝑈
• Identify the Given Quantity with Unit↔
𝑚𝑖𝑛
• Create a unit paths
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
 Write dimensions of wanted quantity as Conversion factor to begin the equation: 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
 Write an equals to: =
𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 30𝑚𝑈
 Write the given Quantity as Conversion Factor: 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛
 Add the rest of Unit Equivalencies as multiples of Conversion factors without order so
that one of the Unwanted Unit are cancelled and only the desire or wanted dimensions
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 30𝑚𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑈 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
are left: 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛 × 5𝑈 × 1000𝑚𝑈 × 𝑚𝑙

𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 30𝑚𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑈 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 300000𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠

 Multiple the numerators: = × × × =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑈 1000𝑚𝑈 𝑚𝑙

𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 30𝑚𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑈 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 300000𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠

 Multiple the denominators: = × × 1000𝑚𝑈 × =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑈 𝑚𝑙 5000𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 30𝑚𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑈 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 300000𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠

 Divide the results: = × × 1000𝑚𝑈 × = = 60
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑈 𝑚𝑙 5000𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑙
 RANDOM METHOD2
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
• Identify the Wanted Quantity and Unit↔ 𝑚𝑖𝑛
• Identify the Unit Equivalencies and Conversion Factors write them as Unit equivalents
 5𝑈 = 500𝑚𝑙; 1U = 1000mU; 20drops = ml; 1hr = 60min; 30mIU = min
• Identify unit equivalent that have dimension similar to the numerator of the wanted
20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
Quantity with Unit↔ 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 = 𝑚𝑙;
𝑚𝑙
• Create a unit paths
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
 Write dimensions of wanted quantity as Conversion factor to begin the equation:
𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
 Write an equals to: =
𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
 Write the given Quantity as Conversion Factor: =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑙
 Add the rest of Unit Equivalent as multiples of Conversion factors without order so that one of the
𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠
Unwanted Unit are cancelled and only the desire or wanted dimensions are left: = ×
30𝑚𝐼𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑈 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑙
× ×
𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑈 1000𝑚𝑈

𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 30𝑚𝐼𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑈 300000𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠

 Multiple the numerators: = × × × =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑙 𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑈 1000𝑚𝑈

𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 30𝑚𝐼𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑈 300000𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠

 Multiple the denominators: = × × × =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑙 𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑈 1000𝑚𝑈 5000𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 20𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 30𝑚𝐼𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑈 300000𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠 𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑠

 Divide the results: = × × × = = 60
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑙 𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑈 1000𝑚𝑈 5000𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑙
 RANDOM METHOD 1a
• Wanted quantity↔ 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒
𝑚𝑙
 Dimensions of Wanted Quantity↔
ℎ𝑟
• Unit Equivalencies(Conversion Factors)
 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 = 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈
 500𝑚𝑙 = 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡
 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 1ℎ𝑟
 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛
5𝑚𝐼𝑈
• Given Quantity↔ 𝑚𝑖𝑛
• Unit Path Way
𝑚𝑙
 =
ℎ𝑟

5𝑚𝐼𝑈 𝑚𝑙
 =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑟

5𝑚𝐼𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 𝑚𝑙
 × =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑟

5𝑚𝐼𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑚𝑙

 × × =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 ℎ𝑟

5𝑚𝐼𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑙

 × × × =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 ℎ𝑟 ℎ𝑟

5𝑚𝐼𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 150000𝑚𝑙 30𝑚𝑙

 × × × = =
𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 ℎ𝑟 5000ℎ𝑟 ℎ𝑟
 RANDOM METHOD 1b
• Wanted quantity↔ 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒
𝑚𝑙
 Dimensions of Wanted Quantity↔
ℎ𝑟
• Unit Equivalents(Conversion Factors)
 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 = 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈
 500𝑚𝑙 = 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡
 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 1ℎ𝑟
 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛
5𝑚𝐼𝑈
• Given Quantity↔ 𝑚𝑖𝑛
• Unit Path Way
𝑚𝑙
 =
ℎ𝑟

𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈
 =
ℎ𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 500𝑚𝑙
 = ×
ℎ𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡

𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡

 = × ×
ℎ𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈

𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 60𝑚𝑖𝑛

 = × × ×
ℎ𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 ℎ𝑟

𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 500𝑚𝑙 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 150000𝑚𝑙 30𝑚𝑙

 = × × × = =
ℎ𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 ℎ𝑟 5000ℎ𝑟 ℎ𝑟
 RANDOM METHOD 2a
• Wanted quantity↔ 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒
𝑚𝑙
 Dimensions of Wanted Quantity↔
ℎ𝑟
• Unit Equivalenciess(Conversion Factors)
 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 = 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈
 500𝑚𝑙 = 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡
 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 1ℎ𝑟
 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛
• Unit equivalent with dimensions similar to numerator of the wanted Quantity↔
500𝑚𝑙
500𝑚𝑙 = 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡: 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡
• Unit Path Way
𝑚𝑙
 =
ℎ𝑟

500𝑚𝑙 𝑚𝑙
 =
5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑟

500𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 𝑚𝑙
 × =
5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑚𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑟

500𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑚𝑙

 × × =
5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑚𝑖𝑛 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 ℎ𝑟

500𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑙

 × × × =
5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑚𝑖𝑛 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 ℎ𝑟 ℎ𝑟

500𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 150000𝑚𝑙 30𝑚𝑙

 × × × = =
5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 min 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 ℎ𝑟 5000ℎ𝑟 ℎ𝑟
 RANDOM METHOD 2b
• Wanted quantity↔ 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒
𝑚𝑙
 Dimensions of Wanted Quantity↔
ℎ𝑟
• Unit Equivalencies(Conversion Factors)
 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 = 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈
 500𝑚𝑙 = 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡
 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 1ℎ𝑟
 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛
• Unit equivalent with dimensions similar to numerator of the wanted Quantity↔
500𝑚𝑙
500𝑚𝑙 = 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡: 𝑖𝑒 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡
• Unit Path Way
𝑚𝑙
 =
ℎ𝑟

𝑚𝑙 500𝑚𝑙
 =
ℎ𝑟 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡

𝑚𝑙 500𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈
 = ×
ℎ𝑟 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑚𝑙 500𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡

 = × ×
ℎ𝑟 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑚𝑖𝑛 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈

𝑚𝑙 500𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 60𝑚𝑖𝑛

 = × × ×
ℎ𝑟 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑚𝑖𝑛 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 ℎ𝑟

𝑚𝑙 500𝑚𝑙 5𝑚𝐼𝑈 1𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 150000𝑚𝑙 30𝑚𝑙

 = × × × = =
ℎ𝑟 5𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 min 1000𝑚𝐼𝑈 ℎ𝑟 5000ℎ𝑟 ℎ𝑟
 Exercise
• A HIV + patient is admitted to the hospital for C-section delivery. The orders from the physician include:
 Admit to OB in private room
 NPO
 Up ad lib
 CBC and electrolytes
 Type and cross-match for 2 units of blood
 Admission weight 164 lb
 Lactated Ringers IV at 100 mL/hr
 Zidovudine 2 mg/kg IV over 1 hour on admission to labor and delivery then zidovudine 1mg/kg/hr continuous IV infusion
beginning 3 hours prior to C-section
 Cefazolin 1 g IVPB × 1 dose 1 hour prior to C-section
 Metoclopramide (Reglan) 10 mg IV push every 6 hours prn for nausea and vomiting
 Hydrocodone 5 mg and acetaminophen 325 mg PO two tablets every 4 hours prn for moderate to severe pain
 Docusate sodium 100 mg PO two capsules bid
• Identify the orders that require calculations.
• Set up and solve each problem using dimensional analysis.
1. Calculate the weight of the patient in kilograms.
2. Calculate how many mL/hr to set the IV pump to infuse zidovudine 2 mg/kg over 1 hour. Supply: Zidovudine
200 mg/50 mL D5W.
3. Calculate mL/hr to set the IV pump to infuse zidovudine 1 mg/kg/hr. Supply: Zidovudine 400 mg/100 mL
D5W.
4. Calculate mL/hr to set the IV pump to infuse cefazolin 1 g IV. Supply: Cefazolin (Ancef) 1000 mg/100 mL D5W
to be administered over 30 minutes.
5. Calculate how many mL of metoclopramide 10 mg will be given IV push over 2 minutes. Supply: Reglan 5
mg/mL
THANK YOU