Volume x drop factor
Time (min.)
125 ml/hr x 20 gtts/ml
60 min.
2500 = 42 gtts/min.
60
PRACTICE 1:
The order is to infuse 1500 ml of Ringer's lactate over the
next 24 hours. The drop factor of the tubing is 60 gtts/ml.
Determine the rate in gtts/min.
SOLUTION:
1500 ml x 60 gtts/ml
1440
90,000 = 63 gtts/min
1440
PRACTICE 2:
The order is to give 250 ml of Rheomacrodex (dextran 40)
over 45 minutes. The drop factor of the tubing is 10 gtts/ml.
Determine the rate in gtts/min.
SOLUTION:
250 ml x 10 gtts/ml
45
2500 = 56 gtts/min
45
b. Practice Problems.
(1) The patient is to receive 2000 ml of D5NS over 12 hours. The drop
factor of the tubing is 15 gtts/ml. Determine the infusion rate.
MD0904
2-55