A patient needs to run the remaining 300 mL of dextrose 5% through in 50 minutes. The administration set gives 20 drops/mL. What is the required drip rate in drops per minute?

A patient needs to run the remaining 300 mL of dextrose 5% through in 50 minutes. The administration set gives 20 drops/mL. What is the required drip rate in drops per minute?

• A. 60 gtt/min
• B. 100 gtt/min
• C. 110 gtt/min
• D. 120 gtt/min

Answer: (D)

Calculating the drip rate uses volume to be infused per unit time and the drop factor of the administration set. First find how many milliliters flow each minute: 300 mL ÷ 50 min = 6 mL/min. With a drop factor of 20 drops per milliliter, multiply: 6 mL/min × 20 drops/mL = 120 drops per minute. Therefore, the required drip rate is 120 gtt/min.

Calculating the drip rate uses volume to be infused per unit time and the drop factor of the administration set. First find how many milliliters flow each minute: 300 mL ÷ 50 min = 6 mL/min. With a drop factor of 20 drops per milliliter, multiply: 6 mL/min × 20 drops/mL = 120 drops per minute. Therefore, the required drip rate is 120 gtt/min.