Question

A patient weighing 125 lbs is to receive 48 units/kg/day, delivered over 2 hours. The solution is 900 units/50 mL, and the drop rate is 15 gtts/mL. How many gtts/min should the patient receive?

a) 10 gtts/min
b) 12 gtts/min
c) 15 gtts/min
d) 20 gtts/min

Answer 1

To calculate the drop rate in gtts/min, you need to convert the patient's weight to kg, calculate their total daily units, find the total volume of medication needed, and use the IV solution's concentration and drop factor to find the flow rate.

Step-by-step explanation:

The calculation involves several steps to determine the correct gtts/min for the IV administration:

1. First, calculate the patient's total daily units of medication: 125 lbs (patient's weight) / 2.2 = approximately 56.82 kg. Then, multiply by the prescribed 48 units/kg/day to get the total units per day.
2. Second, calculate the total volume of the IV solution needed: 56.82 kg * 48 units/kg/day = 2727.36 units/day. Since the IV solution is 900 units/50 mL, divide the total units by 900 units to find the total mL per day.
3. Third, calculate the flow rate in mL/hour, considering the medication is delivered over a 2-hour period, and then find the flow rate in mL/min.
4. Finally, convert the flow rate in mL/min to gtts/min using the drop factor of 15 gtts/mL.

By following these steps and performing the required calculations, you can determine the precise drop rate to be administered per minute.