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The doctor orders IV 0.9% NS, 2400 mL/12h. What is the flow rate of this IV?

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Final answer:

The new flow rate would be 1.60 cm³/min when glucose is replaced by whole blood with 2.5 times the viscosity, assuming all other factors remain constant, based on Poiseuille's Law.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject of this question is related to Physics because it involves the calculation of flow rates based on properties of fluids like density and viscosity. Specifically, this falls under the field of fluid dynamics. The calculation requires understanding and application of principles such as Poiseuille's Law in intravenous (IV) therapy which is a medical procedure.

To find the new flow rate if glucose is replaced by whole blood, which has a viscosity 2.5 times that of glucose, we need to recognize that all other factors are held constant. According to Poiseuille's Law, flow rate is inversely proportional to viscosity when all other factors remain constant. So, to find the new flow rate (Q2), we divide the original flow rate (Q1) of glucose solution by the factor by which the viscosity increases. Q2 can be calculated as follows:

Q2 = Q1 / Increase in viscosity
Q2 = 4.00 cm³/min / 2.5
Q2 = 1.60 cm³/min

Therefore, if the viscosity of the whole blood is 2.5 times that of the glucose solution, the new flow rate of IV would be 1.60 cm³/min, assuming density and all other factors are constant.

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