ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7MathematicsMedium
A nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous (IV) fluid. The order is for 1 liter of 0.9% NaCl to be infused over 8 hours. The IV tubing has a drop factor of 15 gtt/mL. How many drops per minute (gtt/min) should the nurse set the infusion rate to, rounded to the nearest whole number?
- A50 gtt/min
- B21 gtt/min
- C31 gtt/min
- D42 gtt/min
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 31 gtt/min
First, convert 1 liter to mL: 1 L = 1000 mL. Convert 8 hours to minutes: 8 hours * 60 minutes/hour = 480 minutes. The formula for gtt/min is (Total Volume in mL * Drop Factor gtt/mL) / Total Time in minutes. So, (1000 mL * 15 gtt/mL) / 480 minutes = 15000 / 480 = 31.25 gtt/min. Rounded to the nearest whole number, this is 31 gtt/min.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This answer indicates a significant miscalculation, possibly dividing by 300 minutes instead of 480.
- B. This answer suggests an error in calculation or conversion, possibly using 10 gtt/mL instead of 15.
- D. This answer might result from using an incorrect drop factor or time conversion (e.g., 4 hours instead of 8).
IV Infusion Rate (gtt/min)
The rate at which intravenous fluids are delivered, measured in drops per minute, determined by total volume, time, and tubing drop factor.
- Formula: (Total Volume in mL * Drop Factor gtt/mL) / Total Time in minutes.
- Drop factor is specific to the IV tubing used.
- Essential for accurate and safe medication administration.
Memory trick: Volume times Drops, divided by Minutes, gives you the drips.