Question

A client is to receive 1000 mL of 5% dextrose in water at a rate of 125 mL/hour. The drop factor is 10 drops (gtt) per mL. The nurse sets the flow rate at how many drops per minute? Record your answer to the nearest whole number.

a) 12 drops/minute
b) 14 drops/minute
c) 16 drops/minute
d) 18 drops/minute

Answer 1

To set the flow rate in drops per minute, the nurse should multiply the mL/hour by the drop factor of 10 drops/mL and convert the units. The rounded answer is approximately 208 drops per minute.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the flow rate in drops per minute, we need to convert the mL/hour given to mL/minute and then multiply by the drop factor of 10 drops/mL. So, the flow rate in drops per minute would be:

(125 mL/hour) * (1 hour/60 minutes) * (10 drops/mL)

Simplifying this expression, we get:

1250/6 ≈ 208 drops per minute

Rounded to the nearest whole number, the nurse should set the flow rate at 208 drops per minute.