Final answer:
When replacing a glucose solution with whole blood of 2.50 times the viscosity, the new IV flow rate decreases by the same factor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The flow rate of an intravenous (IV) fluid is governed by Poiseuille's law, which relates the flow rate to viscosity, among other factors. When replacing a glucose solution in an IV with whole blood, which has a viscosity that is 2.50 times that of the glucose, the new flow rate can be determined.
Since all other factors remain constant and assuming laminar flow, Poiseuille's equation applies, indicating that flow rate is inversely proportional to viscosity. Therefore, if the viscosity increases by a factor of 2.50, the flow rate will decrease by the same factor, given the direct relationship between viscosity and flow resistance.
Accordingly, the new flow rate can be calculated by dividing the original flow rate (4.00 cm³/min for the glucose solution) by the increase in viscosity (2.50 times), which yields a new flow rate of 1.60 cm³/min for the whole blood.