An infusion order calls for 500 mL of 0.9% saline to be delivered over 4 hours using micro drip tubing (60 gtt/mL). What is the required flow rate in drops per minute (rounded to the nearest whole number)?

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

An infusion order calls for 500 mL of 0.9% saline to be delivered over 4 hours using micro drip tubing (60 gtt/mL). What is the required flow rate in drops per minute (rounded to the nearest whole number)?

Explanation:
Flow rate is determined by volume, time, and the drop factor. Start by turning the total volume into an hourly rate: 500 mL over 4 hours equals 125 mL per hour. With micro drip tubing delivering 60 drops per mL, that becomes 125 mL × 60 gtt/mL = 7,500 drops per hour. To get drops per minute, divide by 60 minutes per hour: 7,500 ÷ 60 = 125 drops per minute. You can also use the combined formula: (volume × drop factor) ÷ (time in minutes) = gtt/min, which gives (500 × 60) ÷ 240 = 125. Therefore, the required flow rate is 125 gtt/min.

Flow rate is determined by volume, time, and the drop factor. Start by turning the total volume into an hourly rate: 500 mL over 4 hours equals 125 mL per hour. With micro drip tubing delivering 60 drops per mL, that becomes 125 mL × 60 gtt/mL = 7,500 drops per hour. To get drops per minute, divide by 60 minutes per hour: 7,500 ÷ 60 = 125 drops per minute. You can also use the combined formula: (volume × drop factor) ÷ (time in minutes) = gtt/min, which gives (500 × 60) ÷ 240 = 125. Therefore, the required flow rate is 125 gtt/min.

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