chapter 8 calculation of basic iv drip rates

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Chapter 8Calculation of

Basic IV Drip Rates

Chapter 8Calculation of

Basic IV Drip Rates


Types of Intravenous FluidsTypes of Intravenous Fluids

• D5W = D5%W

• D5S = D5 %0.9NS

• D51/2NS = D5 %0.45NS

• NS = 0.9%NS

• ½NS = 0.45% NS


Intravenous Drip FactorsIntravenous Drip Factors

• Microdrip = 60 gtt/mL

• Macrodrip need to check package

– 10 gtt/mL

– 15 gtt/mL

– 20 gtt/ml

• To calculate IV drip rates, must know this information


Electric Infusion PumpsElectric Infusion Pumps

• Volume for infusion

• Rate for infusion

• Turn pump on


Intravenous Piggybacks on Electronic Infusion PumpsIntravenous Piggybacks on Electronic Infusion Pumps

• Secondary volume

• Secondary rate

• Turn pump on


Calculating Basic IV Drip RatesCalculating Basic IV Drip Rates

• Number of milliliters to infuse x tubing factor = drops per minute or gtt/min number of minutes to infuse

• When the order reads “hour,” convert to minutes by multiplying by 60 (60 minutes = 1 hour)


Calculating IV Drips for Infusion PumpCalculating IV Drips for Infusion Pump

• Total number of milliliters ordered = mL/hour Number of hours to run


QuestionQuestion

Order: 1000 mL D5W at 120 mL/hour

Available macrodrip 15 gtt/mL

What is the drip factor in drops per minute?

A. 30

B. 31

C. 32

D. 33


AnswerAnswer

A. 30

– 120 mL × 15 gtt/mL = 30 gtt/min 60 minutes


Determining Hours an IV Will RunDetermining Hours an IV Will Run

• Number of milliliters ordered = Number of hours to run Number of milliliters per hour


QuestionQuestion

How many hours will 500 mL of D5½NS run at 125 mL/hour?

A. 3

B. 4

C. 5

D. 6


AnswerAnswer

B. 4

– Number of milliliters ordered = Number of hours to run Number of milliliters per hour

– 500 mL = 4 hours75 mL/hour


Choosing the Infusion SetChoosing the Infusion Set• Microdrip

– IV administered over a long period

– Small amount of fluid to be infused

– Macrodrops per minute too few

• Macrodrip

– Order specifies a large amount of fluid over a short time

– Microdrips per minute are too many, and counting the drip rate becomes too difficult


Adding Medications to IVsAdding Medications to IVs

• Check diluent and volume

• Check dose and expiration date of reconstituted solution

• Note whether IVPB should be refrigerated before use and remain at room temperature

• Calculate the drip rate and record this information on IVPB label


Reconstitution DeviceReconstitution Device


Enteral NutritionEnteral Nutrition

• Used when patient cannot eat or cannot eat enough

• Administered with a pump

– Intermittent

– Cyclic

– Continuous

chapter 8 calculation of basic iv drip rates

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