A 900 mL IV bag is to be infused over 6 hours. If the drop factor is 15 gtt/mL, what is the rate in gtt/min?

Study for the Archer Pharmacology Test to master dosage calculations and medication administration. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

A 900 mL IV bag is to be infused over 6 hours. If the drop factor is 15 gtt/mL, what is the rate in gtt/min?

Explanation:
Key concept: convert the infusion rate from mL per hour to drops per minute using the drip factor. First determine how many milliliters must be delivered each hour: 900 mL over 6 hours equals 150 mL per hour. To turn that into drops per minute, multiply by the drop factor (15 drops per mL) and then divide by the number of minutes in an hour: 150 mL/hr × 15 gtt/mL = 2250 gtt/hr. Then 2250 gtt/hr ÷ 60 min/hr = 37.5 gtt/min. Since you typically dispense whole drops, round to 38 gtt/min.

Key concept: convert the infusion rate from mL per hour to drops per minute using the drip factor. First determine how many milliliters must be delivered each hour: 900 mL over 6 hours equals 150 mL per hour. To turn that into drops per minute, multiply by the drop factor (15 drops per mL) and then divide by the number of minutes in an hour: 150 mL/hr × 15 gtt/mL = 2250 gtt/hr. Then 2250 gtt/hr ÷ 60 min/hr = 37.5 gtt/min. Since you typically dispense whole drops, round to 38 gtt/min.

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