What is the required drip rate, in gtt/min, to infuse 350 mL over 2.5 hours using an IV set that delivers 15 drops/mL?

What is the required drip rate, in gtt/min, to infuse 350 mL over 2.5 hours using an IV set that delivers 15 drops/mL?

• A. 35 gtt/min
• B. 30 gtt/min
• C. 40 gtt/min
• D. 25 gtt/min

Answer: (A)

Infusion rate in drops per minute is found by multiplying the volume to be infused by the drop factor, then dividing by the infusion time in minutes: gtt/min = (volume in mL × drops per mL) ÷ (time in minutes). Convert 2.5 hours to minutes: 2.5 × 60 = 150 minutes. Total drops needed: 350 mL × 15 drops/mL = 5250 drops. Rate: 5250 drops ÷ 150 minutes = 35 gtt/min. So the required drip rate is 35 gtt/min. Quick cross-check: 350 mL over 150 minutes is about 2.333 mL/min, and 2.333 mL/min × 15 drops/mL ≈ 35 gtt/min.

Infusion rate in drops per minute is found by multiplying the volume to be infused by the drop factor, then dividing by the infusion time in minutes: gtt/min = (volume in mL × drops per mL) ÷ (time in minutes).

Convert 2.5 hours to minutes: 2.5 × 60 = 150 minutes.

Total drops needed: 350 mL × 15 drops/mL = 5250 drops.

Rate: 5250 drops ÷ 150 minutes = 35 gtt/min.

So the required drip rate is 35 gtt/min. Quick cross-check: 350 mL over 150 minutes is about 2.333 mL/min, and 2.333 mL/min × 15 drops/mL ≈ 35 gtt/min.