ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7MathematicsMedium
A nurse is preparing a continuous IV infusion. The order is for 1.5 liters of 0.9% Normal Saline to be infused over 10 hours. The IV tubing has a drop factor of 15 gtt/mL. What is the correct infusion rate in gtt/min?
- A375 gtt/min
- B38 gtt/min
- C25 gtt/min
- D2250 gtt/min
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 38 gtt/min
First, convert 1.5 liters to mL (1500 mL) and 10 hours to minutes (600 minutes). Then use the formula: (Volume in mL * Drop Factor) / Time in minutes = gtt/min. So, (1500 mL * 15 gtt/mL) / 600 min = 37.5 gtt/min, rounded to 38 gtt/min.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is 1500 mL / 4 minutes, or an incorrect step in the calculation.
- C. This calculation is incorrect; it might be 1500mL / 60min.
- D. This might be 1500mL * 15gtt/mL without dividing by time.
IV Infusion Rate (gtt/min)
The rate at which intravenous fluids are delivered, measured in drops per minute, calculated using total volume, drop factor, and infusion time.
- Formula: (Volume in mL * Drop Factor) / Time in minutes.
- Drop factor is specific to the IV tubing.
- Ensures precise medication or fluid delivery.
Memory trick: Volume times Drops, then Divide by Minutes, for gtt/min, no more limits!