What is the required flow rate, in mL/h, to deliver 100 mL of metronidazole 500 mg over 30 minutes using a volumetric infusion pump?

What is the required flow rate, in mL/h, to deliver 100 mL of metronidazole 500 mg over 30 minutes using a volumetric infusion pump?

• A. 150 mL/h
• B. 200 mL/h
• C. 180 mL/h
• D. 240 mL/h

Answer: (B)

Flow rate equals the volume to be infused divided by the time over which it’s delivered. Here, 100 mL is to be given over 30 minutes. Convert time to hours: 30 minutes = 0.5 hours. So the rate is 100 mL ÷ 0.5 h = 200 mL/h. Therefore, the required flow rate is 200 mL/h. The 500 mg dose isn’t needed for this calculation since you’re given the total volume and the duration.

Flow rate equals the volume to be infused divided by the time over which it’s delivered. Here, 100 mL is to be given over 30 minutes. Convert time to hours: 30 minutes = 0.5 hours. So the rate is 100 mL ÷ 0.5 h = 200 mL/h. Therefore, the required flow rate is 200 mL/h. The 500 mg dose isn’t needed for this calculation since you’re given the total volume and the duration.