Question

In the same IV INFUSION scenario, calculate the initial infusion rate of 12 units/kg/hr.

a) 2.6 units/kg/hr
b) 3.9 units/kg/hr
c) 5.2 units/kg/hr
d) 6.5 units/kg/hr

Answer 1

The flow rate of whole blood, with a viscosity 2.5 times that of glucose and with the same density, would be 1.6 cm³/min in the given IV infusion system according to Poiseuille's law.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question pertains to the changes in flow rate of two different fluids of varying viscosities through an IV infusion system. When substituting glucose solution with whole blood, which has 2.50 times the viscosity but the same density, we look towards Poiseuille's law to understand the flow rate changes due to viscosity differences.

According to Poiseuille's law, the flow rate (Q) is inversely proportional to the viscosity (η) of the fluid, given by the equation Q ∝ 1/η, if all other factors such as pressure gradient and dimensions of the tube remain constant. Because the viscosity of blood is 2.50 times that of glucose, the flow rate of blood will be 1/2.50 times that of glucose under the same conditions. Therefore, the new flow rate of blood would be 4.00 cm³/min divided by 2.50, resulting in 1.6 cm³/min.