question about math ( IV calculation )
by Heather
(Long Beach, CA)
What is the flow rate to be used to infuse 1200 ml of dextrose 5% in water over 4 hours if the set delivers 15 drops per ml?
reply (by Keith): Heather, I believe you are asking about drops(gtt) per Min.? Here is the breakdown I come up with:
The patient is prescribed:
1200ml of mixture over 4 hours.
1200ml ÷ 4 Hrs = 300ml/Hr
determine how much per Minute.
300ml/Hr ÷ 60(min/Hr) = 5ml/min
We arrived at 5ml/min
The Infusion set device delivers 15 gtt/ml,
Now, Simply take the amount of ml/min
and Divide it by the gtt/ml.
5ml/min x 15gtt/ml = 75gtt/min
Go to the IV CALCULATIONS page for more examples.
