IV admin question

[mgalano, ASN, BSN, RN]

I am doing a worksheet before my IV administration lab tomorrow. There is one question I don't understand.

"State 7 mechanical factors affecting gravity flow rate". I have looked through multiple books and indexes but can't find where this would be under. I'm sure its so easy but I just cannot get it.

Can someone help me out and lead me in the right direction?

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

It's basically asking you about the things that would make the fluid flow faster or slower. To start off, think about the steps before you even start the IV - like choosing equipment, selecting a site and getting your patient into position. How would these ultimately affect the flow of the IV? Which other factors can you come up with?

[mgalano, ASN, BSN, RN]

Ohhh alright, for some reason it was just completely throwing me off.

So for example... different tubing with different calibrations, size of the needle, type of solution.

Thank you!!!

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

does the height you hang the bag make a difference? why or why not?

does molasses flow faster or slower than water? why or why not?

what regulates the flow rate in a gravity iv (as opposed to a pumped one)?

when the fluid enters the vein, where does it go? what might make it go faster or slower?

see, these are things you need to consider too.

[Music in My Heart]

Think, "pressure" and "friction."

All fluid flow is governed by those two factors and they show up in many forms.