IV problem-please help me understand!

Altra, BSN, RN · Sep 8, 2005

First of all, thanks to everyone who has helped answer my questions (random, at times on here in the past! I don't know what I'd do without this board!
I'm really hung up on IV problems. I can do the basic ones, but these type confuse the dickens out of me:
1. The IV orders indicate fluids of D5 1/2 NS with 20 mEq KCl to run at 125 ml/hour. Your infusion set has a drop factor of 15 gtt/ml. At what rate will the IV be timed?
2. Mr. Shineman is to receive 1000cc D5 1/2NS with 20 MEq KCl over 8 hours. The
KCl vial is labeled 80 MEq / 20 mls. How many ml's of KCl will you need to withdraw?
_____________________________________ mls.
Can anyone tell me how to set these up? I really don't know where to start

It's possible you're getting hung up on the extraneous numbers in the problem.

#1: 125 mL per hour, 15 drops = 1 mL

125 x 15 = 1875 drops per hour, 1875/60 = 31 drops per minute

#2: The KCl solution contains 80mEq in every 20 mL. You need 20mEq - 1/4

the amount in 20mL. 20 mL / 4 = 5mL

Think about what the problem is asking - don't get sidetracked by what the solution is when you're doing these math problems. HTH :)

sweetieann · Sep 8, 2005

It's possible you're getting hung up on the extraneous numbers in the problem.
#1: 125 mL per hour, 15 drops = 1 mL
125 x 15 = 1875 drops per hour, 1875/60 = 31 drops per minute
#2: The KCl solution contains 80mEq in every 20 mL. You need 20mEq - 1/4
the amount in 20mL. 20 mL / 4 = 5mL
Think about what the problem is asking - don't get sidetracked by what the solution is when you're doing these math problems. HTH :)

thanks so much, this makes much more sense now!

One more question, as I have absolutely NO experience with IVs in the clinical setting yet at all. For problem number 2, would you just inject the 5 mL of KCL into the IV bag so it all administers together? And if you were putting this on say, a pump, would you plug in 1005 milliliters (the 1000 ml of D5W plus the 5 ml of KCL)?

suzanne4, RN · Sep 8, 2005

You would just go by the 1000 ml for the IV with the KCL. It is actually against hospital policy for KCL to be added to an IV on the floor, your bag will either be manufactured by one of the IV companies, or mixed by the pharmacy. There is actually an overfill in the 1000 ml bags of about 50 ml. :)