NCLEX-PN® ExaminationReduction of Risk PotentialMedium
A client is receiving a continuous intravenous (IV) infusion of 0.9% Normal Saline at 125 mL/hr. The IV tubing has a drop factor of 15 drops/mL. The LPN needs to calculate the drops per minute. What is the correct drip rate?
- A47 drops/min
- B31 drops/min
- C63 drops/min
- D25 drops/min
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 31 drops/min
To calculate drops/minute: (Volume in mL/hr * Drop factor) / 60 minutes/hr. So, (125 mL/hr * 15 drops/mL) / 60 min/hr = 1875 / 60 = 31.25 drops/min. Round to the nearest whole number, which is 31 drops/min.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect calculation.
- C. Incorrect calculation.
- D. Incorrect calculation.
IV Drip Rate Calculation
The process of calculating how many drops per minute are needed to deliver a prescribed volume of intravenous fluid over a specific time, using the tubing's drop factor.
- Formula: (Volume in mL/hr * Drop factor) / 60 min/hr.
- Drop factor is specific to the IV tubing.
- Result is rounded to the nearest whole number.
Memory trick: Volume x Drop Factor, then Divide by 60.