Question on size gauge needle and rate of IV flow?

[Jakobsnurse1281]

On the average adult where D5 1/2 NS or D10 1/2 NS fluids are given, what size IV gauge needle do you use and is it, the bigger the needle, the faster the rate or vice versa, or does that not matter at all? Just want to get some of your thoughts on this...Thanks:up:

[IVRUS, BSN, RN]

On the average adult where D5 1/2 NS or D10 1/2 NS fluids are given, what size IV gauge needle do you use and is it, the bigger the needle, the faster the rate or vice versa, or does that not matter at all? Just want to get some of your thoughts on this...Thanks:up:

Infusion Nurses Society(INS) states that you always want the smallest IV catheter possible for the prescribed therapy. Since, a 22 gauge IV catheter can accomadate a flow rate of approx. 2000mls/hour, or 35 mls/min. 22 gauge is what I use unless I have a 90 lb soaking wet female, she gets a 24 g.

Just look at your IV catheter package... The flow rates are listed on each one.