Dosage calc! Help!

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Specializes in LTC.

Would someone be so kind as to work this problem as for me? Our instructor spent no time on this stuff and I'm lost :( I'd be so grateful!

Give an infant 90 ML IV infusion at rate of 30 microgtts/min. Drop factor is 60. Calculate the following.

1. The total number of microdrops to be given

2. The total number of minutes infusion is to flow

3. The total number of hours and minutes solution is to flow

I don't know why I'm having such a hard time with this. I feel dumb as a rock right now.

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Specializes in LTC.

Okay... I tried to work this thing and this is what I got

1. 270 micro drops

2. 90 mins

3. 1 hour 30 mins

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Wife,

Ok here we go.

You are giving 90mL, you are using a 60 drop set which means there are 60 drops in 1mL. You can also have 10, 15, 20, or 60 drop set, but for this problem you are told to use a 60.

#1 90mL x 60 drops = 5400 total drops

#2 5400 drops divided by 30 drops per min. = 180 minutes

#3 180 minutes divided by 60 minutes in one hour = 3 hours 0 minutes

If any of this is unclear, let me know and I will try to clear it up.

Charlie

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Specializes in LTC.
Wife,

Ok here we go.

You are giving 90mL, you are using a 60 drop set which means there are 60 drops in 1mL. You can also have 10, 15, 20, or 60 drop set, but for this problem you are told to use a 60.

#1 90mL x 60 drops = 5400 total drops

#2 5400 drops divided by 30 drops per min. = 180 minutes

#3 180 minutes divided by 60 minutes in one hour = 3 hours 0 minutes

If any of this is unclear, let me know and I will try to clear it up.

Charlie

Thank you! I don't know why I couldn't figure this out! Maybe I've just looked at it too long? That makes perfect sense.

Our instructor didn't even do one of these things. She did a few on PO meds though. Sigh...

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A 60 drop set means that there are 60 drops in 1 mL. These are tiny, tiny drops in a 60 drop set. I would use this set in ped patients or for a CHF patient. For a trauma patient that is bleeding out, use a bigger set like 10. If its a really bad heavy bleed, start a second line.

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No prob. I recommend that you go teach it to a few of your classmates to really fix this in your mind. The more questions they ask and you answer will serve to make this easy for you.

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Specializes in LTC.

Just wanted to thank you again! Made a 93 on the test Friday :)

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Excellent!

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