Chapter 16 IV Flow Rate Calculation Copyright 2010

Electronic Infusion Devices • Most acute care health facilities use electronic infusion devices to

Drip Rates • If electronic infusion devices not in use, IV flow rate of

IV Tubing Calibrations • Macrodrip tubing calibrated at 10, 15, or 20 gtt/m. L

IV Flow Rates • Flow rate may vary by 1 to 2 gtt/min depending

Reminder • Drops must be designated in whole numbers – Cannot administer tenth or

DA • Flow rate calculation involves two values: – gtt – min Copyright ©

Using DA • Calculate IV fluids at 125 m. L/hr using tubing calibrated at

$Step 1 • Enter gtt/min to be calculated as common fraction followed by equal$

Step 2 • Begin ratio entries as if calculating only gtt numerator gtt 10

Step 3 • Match m. L denominator with 125 m. L/hr prescribed – One

Step 4 • Enter a 1 -hr-equals-60 -min conversion ratio gtt 10 gtt 125

Step 5 • Cancel m. L and hr denominators and numerators 10 gtt 125

Using DA Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Formula Method • Used for small volumes to infuse in less than 60 min

Using Formula • Calculate IV prescribed at 125 m. L/hr with set calibrated at

Formula and Division Factor • Division factor determined by dividing 60 by calibration or

Division Factor • For calibration set of: – – 10 gtt/m. L = 6

Using Division Factor • Calculate IV at 100 m. L/hr using set calibrated at

Microdrip • When 60 gtt/m. L microdrip set used, flow rate in gtt/min identical

Regulating Flow Rate • Rate can be established by dividing gtt/min by 4 and

Correcting Off-Schedule IV Rates • If rate must be increased to compensate for running

Correcting Off-Schedule IV Rates • Most clinical facilities have written protocols • Recalculate flow

Correcting Off-Schedule IV Rates • Cannot be used for certain medications and IV fluids

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Electronic Infusion Devices • Most acute care health facilities use electronic infusion devices to deliver IV fluids to clients • Programmed by m. L/hr Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Drip Rates • If electronic infusion devices not in use, IV flow rate of m. L/hr must be converted to gtt per minute (min) to deliver prescribed rate • Standard drip factor (SDF) – Another term for gtt/min of IV tubing being used Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

IV Tubing Calibrations • Macrodrip tubing calibrated at 10, 15, or 20 gtt/m. L – Labeled on tubing packaging • Microdrip tubing calibrated at 60 gtt/m. L Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

IV Flow Rates • Flow rate may vary by 1 to 2 gtt/min depending on how numbers rounded in calculations • Best not to round numbers until end of calculations – Especially if using calculator Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

$Step 1 • Enter gtt/min to be calculated as common fraction followed by equal$

Using Division Factor • Calculate IV at 100 m. L/hr using set calibrated at 10 gtt/m. L • Determine division factor • Calculate flow rate Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Regulating Flow Rate • Rate can be established by dividing gtt/min by 4 and counting number of drops occurring in 15 seconds – Referred to as 15 -second drip count • IV drip rate of 100 gtt/min calculated as: Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Correcting Off-Schedule IV Rates • If rate must be increased to compensate for running behind schedule, must assess: – Type of fluid being infused – Individual’s ability to tolerate increased rate Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Correcting Off-Schedule IV Rates • Most clinical facilities have written protocols • Recalculate flow rate using both remaining: – Volume – Time Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Correcting Off-Schedule IV Rates • Cannot be used for certain medications and IV fluids – e. g. , heparin, insulin, and cardiogenic drugs or total parenteral nutrition • Whether increasing or decreasing rate to get IV back on schedule, must closely monitor for effects of rate change Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.