Question

A physician writes to infuse 1 and ½ maintenance fluids. What

does the nurse set as the hourly rate
for a child who weighs 12 kg?

Answer 1

To determine the hourly rate for IV fluids for a 12 kg child prescribed 1 and ½ maintenance fluids, we use a pediatric formula and calculate that the nurse should set the infusion pump to deliver fluids at a rate of 68.75 mL/hour.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves calculating the correct hourly rate for intravenous (IV) fluid administration for a child weighing 12 kg. The physician has prescribed 1 and ½ times maintenance fluids. To determine the hourly rate, we use a pediatric fluid maintenance formula. A common formula used is the Holliday-Segar method, which is:

• First 10 kg body weight: 100 mL/kg
• Next 10 kg body weight: 50 mL/kg
• For each kg above 20 kg: 20 mL/kg

For a 12 kg child, the calculation is 100 mL/kg for the first 10 kg, plus 50 mL/kg for the remaining 2 kg. The standard maintenance requirement would be:

(10 kg × 100 mL/kg) + (2 kg × 50 mL/kg) = 1000 mL + 100 mL = 1100 mL/24 hours

For 1 and ½ times maintenance, you would multiply 1100 mL by 1.5:

1100 mL × 1.5 = 1650 mL/24 hours

To find the hourly rate, divide this number by 24:

1650 mL/24 hours = 68.75 mL/hour.

The nurse should set the IV infusion pump to deliver fluids at a rate of 68.75 mL/hour for a child who weighs 12 kg and is prescribed 1 and ½ maintenance fluids.