Final answer:
To find the new flow rate when replacing a glucose solution with whole blood in an IV, divide the original glucose flow rate by the increase in viscosity. The new flow rate of whole blood would be 1.60 cm³/min when the viscosity is 2.50 times that of glucose.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the recalculation of the flow rate of a fluid in an intravenous (IV) delivery system when the fluid properties are changed, specifically when the viscosity of the fluid is increased.
The flow rate of a fluid (in this case, glucose solution) through a tube (like an IV) depends on many factors, including the viscosity of the fluid. If a fluid with a higher viscosity (such as whole blood) is introduced while keeping the density and other factors constant, the flow rate will decrease.
Assuming a proportional relationship between viscosity and flow rate, we would calculate the new flow rate by dividing the original flow rate by the increase in viscosity. Since the blood's viscosity is said to be 2.50 times that of the glucose, the new flow rate would be:
Flow rate of whole blood = Original flow rate of glucose / Increase in viscosity
= 4.00 cm³/min / 2.50
= 1.60 cm³/min
Therefore, the new flow rate when switching the IV fluid from glucose to whole blood, with all other factors held constant, would be 1.60 cm³/min.