question about math ( IV calculation )

by Heather
(Long Beach, CA)

What is the flow rate to be used to infuse 1200 ml of dextrose 5% in water over 4 hours if the set delivers 15 drops per ml?

reply (by Keith): Heather, I believe you are asking about drops(gtt) per Min.? Here is the breakdown I come up with:


The patient is prescribed:

1200ml of mixture over 4 hours.


1200ml ÷ 4 Hrs = 300ml/Hr



determine how much per Minute.


300ml/Hr ÷ 60(min/Hr) = 5ml/min


We arrived at 5ml/min


The Infusion set device delivers 15 gtt/ml,


Now, Simply take the amount of ml/min
and Divide it by the gtt/ml.


5ml/min x 15gtt/ml = 75gtt/min


Go to the IV CALCULATIONS page for more examples.

Comments for
question about math ( IV calculation )

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 05, 2011
 Different way of doing this
by: Anonymous

I would have multiply 4hrs x 60min. The reason being is because we know for every hour is 60min, Then your answer would be 240.Then divide 240 / 1200ml = 5 x your 15gtt(drops) =75gtt/min same amount of steps but an easier way to me. Hopefully this helps you also.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask a Math Question






© 2009 - 2012 pharmacy-tech-study.com All rights reserved
All content is unofficial and for entertainment purposes only
privacy