Question

The surgeon orders 0.9% NS 2000 mL, to be infused over 8 hours, via microdrip tubing. What is the drip rate of this IV?

Answer 1

To calculate the drip rate of an IV infusion using microdrip tubing over 8 hours for 2000 mL of fluid, the result is 250 drops per minute.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to calculating the drip rate of an IV infusion. To find the drip rate, you would use the formula:

Drip Rate (drops/min) = (Total Volume in mL / Time in minutes) × Drop Factor (drops/mL)

You have been given that 2000 mL of 0.9% NS (normal saline) is to be infused over 8 hours. Since microdrip tubing is typically calibrated at 60 drops/mL, we will use this as the drop factor.

• Total Volume = 2000 mL
• Total Time = 8 hours × 60 minutes/hour = 480 minutes
• Drop Factor = 60 drops/mL for microdrip tubing

Now, by substituting these values into the formula:

Drip Rate = (2000 mL / 480 minutes) × 60 drops/mL

Drip Rate = 4.1667 × 60 drops/mL

Drip Rate = 250 drops per minute

This is the rate at which you would need to set the microdrip for the prescribed IV fluid to be delivered within the specified time frame.