What is the drip rate, in gtt/min, to transfuse 300 mL of autologous blood over 2 hours using a set that delivers 20 drops/mL?

What is the drip rate, in gtt/min, to transfuse 300 mL of autologous blood over 2 hours using a set that delivers 20 drops/mL?

• A. 45 gtt/min
• B. 50 gtt/min
• C. 60 gtt/min
• D. 40 gtt/min

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to convert the total volume into drops and then spread that over the total time in minutes. The drip rate in gtt/min is found by multiplying the volume (mL) by the drip factor (gtt/mL) and then dividing by the time (minutes). So, take 300 mL and a drip factor of 20 gtt/mL: 300 × 20 = 6000 drops total. The transfusion time is 2 hours, which is 120 minutes. Divide 6000 drops by 120 minutes: 6000 ÷ 120 = 50 gtt/min. Therefore, the appropriate drip rate is 50 gtt/min.

The main idea is to convert the total volume into drops and then spread that over the total time in minutes. The drip rate in gtt/min is found by multiplying the volume (mL) by the drip factor (gtt/mL) and then dividing by the time (minutes).

So, take 300 mL and a drip factor of 20 gtt/mL: 300 × 20 = 6000 drops total. The transfusion time is 2 hours, which is 120 minutes. Divide 6000 drops by 120 minutes: 6000 ÷ 120 = 50 gtt/min.

Therefore, the appropriate drip rate is 50 gtt/min.