Question

N order is written for 10 ml of a 0.125% bupivacaine injection and 10 ml of morphine injection (1 mg/ml) to be mixed with 250 ml of normal saline. the infusion is to be administered over 3 hours. the iv set delivers 20 drops/ml. what should be the rate of flow in drops/minute to deliver this infusion?

Answer 1

The total volume of the infusion in 10 mL (bupivacaine) + 10 mL (morphine) + 250 mL (saline solution) = 270 mL.
The number of drops is: (270 mL)*(20 drops/mL) = 5400 drops
If this is to be administered over 3 hours, or over 180 minutes, then the number of drops per minute is:
5400 drops / 180 minutes = 30 drops/minute