Question

Calculate the IV flow rate in \(\mathrm{gtt} / \mathrm{min}\) for the following IV administrations, unless another unit of measure is stated. \(50 \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(0.9 \%\) NS with \(1 \mathrm{~g}\) ampicillin is infusing at 50 microgtt/min ( \(50 \mathrm{gtt} / \mathrm{min}\) ). Drop factor: \(60 \mathrm{gtt} / \mathrm{mL}\) Determine the infusion time.

Short answer

The infusion time is 60 minutes.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Given Information

We are given that the IV solution is 50 mL of 0.9% Normal Saline (NS) with 1 g of ampicillin. It is infusing at 50 microgtt/min (50 drops/min). The drop factor is specified as 60 gtt/mL. We need to find the total time required for the infusion.

Use the IV Flow Rate Formula

The formula to calculate the time for an infusion is:\[\text{Infusion Time} = \frac{\text{Total Volume (mL)}}{\text{Flow Rate (gtt/min)}} \times \text{Drop Factor (gtt/mL)}\]We'll use this formula to determine the infusion time.

Substitute Given Values Into the Formula

Insert the given values into the formula:\[\text{Infusion Time} = \frac{50 \text{ mL}}{50 \text{ gtt/min}} \times 60 \text{ gtt/mL}\]

Perform the Calculation

Simplify and calculate the infusion time:\[\text{Infusion Time} = \frac{50}{50} \times 60 = 1 \times 60 = 60 \text{ minutes}\]

Conclude the Calculation

Thus, the calculated infusion time for the IV solution is 60 minutes or 1 hour. This is the time it will take for the entire volume to be administered at the specified flow rate.

Key concepts

Understanding Infusion Time

Infusion time refers to the total duration required for an intravenous (IV) solution to be completely administered into a patient's bloodstream. Calculating this time is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure that medications and fluids are delivered safely and effectively. It helps coordinate the administration schedule and manage the patient's treatment plan efficiently.

To determine infusion time, you need to know three components:

• Total volume of the IV solution (\(mL\)
• Flow rate in drops per minute (\(gtt/min\))
• Drop factor (\(gtt/mL\))

The formula for calculating the infusion time is: \[\text{Infusion Time} = \frac{\text{Total Volume (mL)}}{\text{Flow Rate (gtt/min)}} \times \text{Drop Factor (gtt/mL)}\]
For example, if the total IV volume is \(50\) mL and the flow rate is \(50\) gtt/min with a drop factor of \(60\) gtt/mL, the infusion time will be \(60\) minutes.

What is Drop Factor?

In IV therapy, the drop factor is a crucial detail. It defines how many drops of IV fluid are required to make up \(1\) mL of fluid. The drop factor depends on the type of IV tubing used, typically indicated on the infusion set package. It may range from \(10\) to \(20\) gtt/mL for macrodrops and \(60\) gtt/mL for microdrops.

Using the correct drop factor is essential to calculate the accurate flow rate and infusion time. For instance, if the drop factor is \(60\) gtt/mL, every \(1\) mL of IV fluid corresponds to \(60\) drops. This means that a slower infusion rate will result in a longer time to deliver the full volume, and vice versa. Proper understanding of drop factor ensures the precise administration of medications and fluids.

When organizing patient care, always check the drop factor on the IV set and adjust calculations accordingly for a safe infusion process.

Normal Saline Solution (NS) in IV Therapy

Normal Saline (NS) is a widely used solution in intravenous (IV) therapy. It consists of \(0.9\%\) sodium chloride (NaCl), which closely matches the concentration of sodium in blood serum. This makes it isotonic and safe for a wide range of medical uses.

Common reasons for using NS include:

• Rehydrating patients
• Delivery of medications, like antibiotics
• Flush IV lines and maintain patency

NS is usually mixed with medications, such as ampicillin, which needs to be administered over a set infusion time to ensure effectiveness.

Understanding the role and properties of NS ensures its proper use in healthcare settings, helping to manage various conditions while avoiding potential complications. It is considered a foundational solution in IV therapy due to its compatibility with most patients.