Final answer:
The drip rate of the IV should be calculated using the formula ((Volume in mL) x (Drop factor) / (Time in minutes)). For 1500 mL D5W prescribed over 12 hours with a 10 gtt/mL drop factor, the drip rate would be approximately 21 drops per minute.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the drip rate of this IV, we can use the formula for the IV flow rate. The formula is:
(Volume in mL) × (Drop factor) / (Time in minutes).
In this case, the surgeon orders 1500 cc (mL) of D5W to infuse over 12 hours. The drop factor of the IV tubing is 10 gtt/mL (drops per mL). We first need to convert hours into minutes, therefore, 12 hours times 60 minutes per hour equals 720 minutes.
Now, using the formula:
(1500 mL) × (10 gtt/mL) / (720 minutes) = 15000 gtt / 720 minutes = 20.83 gtt/min
Therefore, the drip rate for this IV should be set to 20.83 drops per minute (rounding to the nearest whole number is common in clinical practice, so it would be approximately 21 gtt/min).