An infant is ordered 150 mL of Hartmann's solution to run over 6 hours. The microdrip delivers 60 drops per millilitre. What is the required drip rate in drops per minute?

An infant is ordered 150 mL of Hartmann's solution to run over 6 hours. The microdrip delivers 60 drops per millilitre. What is the required drip rate in drops per minute?

• A. 30 gtt/min
• B. 25 gtt/min
• C. 20 gtt/min
• D. 15 gtt/min

Answer: (B)

To find the drip rate, convert the prescribed volume over time into drops per minute using the drop factor. First, 150 mL over 6 hours equals 25 mL per hour. With 60 drops per mL, that’s 25 × 60 = 1,500 drops per hour. Then divide by 60 minutes per hour to get drops per minute: 1,500 ÷ 60 = 25 drops per minute. So the required drip rate is 25 gtt/min.

To find the drip rate, convert the prescribed volume over time into drops per minute using the drop factor. First, 150 mL over 6 hours equals 25 mL per hour. With 60 drops per mL, that’s 25 × 60 = 1,500 drops per hour. Then divide by 60 minutes per hour to get drops per minute: 1,500 ÷ 60 = 25 drops per minute. So the required drip rate is 25 gtt/min.