IV pump setting

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I am so very confused by the IV pump and i don't know why. Ok, so if the doctors order states 200 ml for 2 hours, what would be the VTBI and rate? Someone please explain this to me!!!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Ok, first you need to figure out what exactly that problem is telling you. Pertinent information:

200mL

2 hours

IV pumps, when calculating volumes rates, use mL/h. The order itself includes the VTBI; what you need to do is calculate the rate it should be running at.

You may find this site helpful: DosageHelp.com - Helping Nursing Students Learn Dosage Calculations - Volume/Time - IV Drop Rate Questions

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So if a 250 mL bag is available, and the order is 200 mL for 2 hours, what would be the VTBI and what would be the rate?

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Specializes in NICU.
So if a 250 mL bag is available, and the order is 200 mL for 2 hours, what would be the VTBI and what would be the rate?

The size of the bag is irrelevant (as long as it is over 200 Ml). How much volume did the doctor order? That will give you the VBTI

To figure the rate: VTBI/number of hours the fluid is to be run.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
So if a 250 mL bag is available, and the order is 200 mL for 2 hours, what would be the VTBI and what would be the rate?

As PP said, the size of the bag is irrelevant. All the info you need I pointed out above. Throwing in extra steps is only going to confuse you further. The VTBI is clearly stated in the order.

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Specializes in Public Health, TB.

I have to admit I am al little confused as to what was actually ordered. Was the order to infuse 200mL over 2 hours, or was it to infuse 200mL/hr for 2 hours?

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I have to admit I am al little confused as to what was actually ordered. Was the order to infuse 200mL over 2 hours, or was it to infuse 200mL/hr for 2 hours?

Exactly....no one can answer this calculation without this clarification.

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200ml/2hr means Set the pump at 100ml/hr then program the VTBI at 200 mls. The order just want 200 mls to run over 2hours. It doesn't matter if it's a 250, 500, or 1000 ml bag. Your telling the pump you only want to infuse 200 mls regardless (VTBI). I hope this helped.

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