An IV administration problem: 1000 mL to be infused over 8 hours with a drop factor of 20 gtt/mL. What is the flow rate in drops per minute?

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 IV administration problem: 1000 mL to be infused over 8 hours with a drop factor of 20 gtt/mL. What is the flow rate in drops per minute?

Explanation:
Calculating IV flow rate requires converting the prescribed volume and time into a per-minute rate and then converting milliliters to drops using the drop factor. First, find the rate in mL per hour: 1000 mL divided by 8 hours equals 125 mL/hour. Then convert to mL per minute: 125 mL/hour ÷ 60 minutes/hour ≈ 2.083 mL/min. Now use the drop factor to convert to drops per minute: 2.083 mL/min × 20 drops/mL ≈ 41.66 drops/min, which rounds to 42 gtt/min. So the flow rate is about 42 drops per minute.

Calculating IV flow rate requires converting the prescribed volume and time into a per-minute rate and then converting milliliters to drops using the drop factor.

First, find the rate in mL per hour: 1000 mL divided by 8 hours equals 125 mL/hour. Then convert to mL per minute: 125 mL/hour ÷ 60 minutes/hour ≈ 2.083 mL/min. Now use the drop factor to convert to drops per minute: 2.083 mL/min × 20 drops/mL ≈ 41.66 drops/min, which rounds to 42 gtt/min.

So the flow rate is about 42 drops per minute.

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