Published Aug 22, 2017
risenlol
44 Posts
I've been staring at this problem for the past 20 minutes and can't figure out where to start. I'm feeling pretty dumb because flow rate problems usually aren't an issue for me, and this one seems pretty straightforward. Any help would be appreciated.
There is 400ml left in the IV bag at 0900 hours. It is infusing at 20gtt/min. The drop factor is 10gtt/ml . At what time will the next bag be needed?
hon918, ADN, RN
32 Posts
Start by calculating the flow rate in ml/min.
Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN
20,908 Posts
bgxyrnf, MSN, RN
1,208 Posts
I've been staring at this problem for the past 20 minutes and can't figure out where to start. I'm feeling pretty dumb because flow rate problems usually aren't an issue for me, and this one seems pretty straightforward. Any help would be appreciated.There is 400ml left in the IV bag at 0900 hours. It is infusing at 20gtt/min. The drop factor is 10gtt/ml . At what time will the next bag be needed?
It is indeed very straightforward and hon918 has given you a nudge... convert the drip rate into a volumetric rate and go from there.
firstking
10 Posts
Flow rate (gtt/min)= volume/Time(ml/min) X Drop factor(gtt/ml)
400/T X 10gtt/ml = Flow rate(gtt/min)
Flow rate = 400 X 10/ T
Flow rate = 4000/T
Flow rate has been given in the question as 20gtt/min
Therefore: 20 = 4000/T
T = 4000/20 (min)
T = 200minutes
And 200 minutes, when converted to hours = 200/60
Because 60minutes = 1 hour
T = 3.33 hours
3hours plus -33hours
0-33 hours = 20mins
So, he will need another bag at 12:20pm
Answer = 12:20pm
KrCmommy522, BSN, RN
401 Posts
Hello! I see that someone already solved this and you haven't responded, so you probably already have it. But, just in case it helps you or someone else, I wanted to post how I solve this:
To calculate the time it will take to dispense the amount of fluid left in the bag use this formula:
Time (1hr/60 min) x Flow Rate (gtt/min) x Drop Factor (gtt/mL) x Volume Infused = Hours Remaining
Formula:
So, with your numbers put it in looks like this:
Solve the equation:
To compute the time:
60 x 0.33 hr = 19.8 = 20 min
Total infusion time = 3 hr and 20 min
So, you would change the bag at 12:20.
I've done it already and I've also posted it. I was the person that did it and posted it initially.