Clinical Calculator Guide
CRI Setup Guide for Veterinary Continuous Infusions
CRI questions blend calculation with setup reliability. This guide helps you connect concentration planning, infusion rate targets, and monitoring safety in one workflow.
Last reviewed: February 13, 2026
What This Guide Does
It translates CRI dose targets into practical infusion pump settings and checks for concentration, line, and monitoring consistency.
The objective is to reduce arithmetic errors, improve clinical consistency, and connect each formula to a practical interpretation step.
How to Use This Guide in Study Blocks
Run one worked example manually, then verify it in the linked tool. Next, answer practice questions that force you to apply the same concept under time pressure. This sequence builds speed and reliability for exam scenarios while also improving day-to-day calculation safety in supervised clinical settings.
Inputs and Outputs
| Input | Definition |
|---|---|
| Patient weight | Weight in kilograms for dose normalization. |
| CRI target dose | Prescribed rate in mcg/kg/min or mg/kg/hr. |
| Prepared concentration | Final concentration in infusion bag or syringe. |
| Output | Definition |
|---|---|
| Infusion rate | Pump setting in mL/hr. |
| Dose verification | Back-calculated dose to confirm setup accuracy. |
Formula Summary (High Level)
Convert dose target to mg/hr (or mcg/hr), then divide by prepared concentration to reach mL/hr pump setting.
Example Calculation
- A 12 kg patient needs 0.05 mg/kg/hr.
- Required mg/hr = 12 x 0.05 = 0.6 mg/hr.
- If bag concentration is 0.2 mg/mL, infusion rate = 0.6 / 0.2 = 3 mL/hr.
- Confirm line labeling and independent rate double-check before start.
Common Pitfalls and Safety Checks
- Confusing mcg and mg units is the most dangerous CRI setup error.
- Changing concentration without recalculating mL/hr can silently alter dose delivery.
- Not labeling concentration and target dose on the line increases handoff risk.
- CRI adjustments require reassessment of both clinical response and adverse effects.
Related Content
- Return to pillar: Veterinary Calculators Guide: Dose, Fluids, CRI, and Acid-Base Workflows
- Fluid Deficit Guide: Veterinary Dehydration Replacement Planning
- Maintenance Fluids Guide for Veterinary Inpatients
- Use the CRI Calculator
- Apply CRI sequence in DKA stabilization
- See infusion priorities in sepsis support
- Compare infusion choices across shock types
- Reference monitoring ranges during CRI therapy
- Unlock unlimited practice (Premium)
Sources and Review Notes
- Drug label search (DailyMed)
- IRIS stages
- Normal lab values
- Heartworm treatment protocol
- Lab test protocols
- Microchip lookup
- Vertebral Heart Score
- BCS charts
- ACVIM cardiology consensus guideline references
- Dental charts
- AAHA vaccination guidelines
- Flea/tick product info
- Dog/cat breed search
- RECOVER CPR guidelines
Last reviewed: February 13, 2026
Educational only. This page is designed for study and does not replace case-specific diagnosis, local protocols, or direct supervision.