Final answer:
To calculate the flow rate in drops per minute for an IV fluid infusion, multiply the volume to be infused per hour by the drop factor and divide by 60 minutes. In this situation, the flow rate is 16.25 gtt/min, which is rounded to 16 gtt/min.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question asks about calculating the flow rate in drops per minute for an IV fluid given certain parameters. The physician ordered 600 ml of 0.9% normal saline (NS) to be infused at 65 ml/hour with tubing that has a drop factor of 15 drops (gtt)/ml. To calculate the flow rate in drops per minute (gtt/min), use the following equation:
- (Volume to be infused) x (drop factor) / (time in minutes) = flow rate in gtt/min.
- (65 ml/hour) x (15 gtt/ml) / (60 minutes) = 16.25 gtt/min.
The calculated flow rate for the IV fluid is 16.25 drops per minute. Remember to always round to the nearest whole number when calculating IV drip rates, as you cannot count a fraction of a drop. Thus, the appropriate flow rate that should be set for the IV is 16 gtt/min.