To calculate the new flow rate for the IV to ensure it completes on time

QUESTION

You discover that an IV is running ahead of schedule and must be slowed down. 725 mis remain and the IV has an
additional 4 hours to run. The set being used is 15 gtt/ml. Calculate a new flow rate to complete on time.

ANSWER

To calculate the new flow rate for the IV to ensure it completes on time, you’ll need to consider the volume remaining, the additional time available, and the drop factor (gtt/ml) of the IV set. Here’s how to calculate it step by step:

Step 1: Determine the total volume of the IV, which is the volume remaining plus the volume already infused:

Total Volume (VT) = Remaining Volume (VR) + Volume Infused (VI)

In this case, VR = 725 ml, and VI is the volume initially intended for 4 hours.

VI = Flow Rate (FR) x Time (T)

Given that VI was intended to run over 4 hours:

VI = FR x 4 hours

Step 2: Calculate VI:

VI = FR x 4 hours

Step 3: Calculate the total volume (VT):

VT = VR + VI

VT = 725 ml + (FR x 4 hours)

Step 4: Determine the new flow rate (FR2) to complete the remaining volume (VR) in the additional 4 hours:

FR2 = VR / 4 hours

Step 5: Substitute the value of VR:

FR2 = 725 ml / 4 hours

Step 6: Simplify:

FR2 = 181.25 ml/hour

Now, you’ve calculated the new flow rate (FR2) needed to complete the remaining 725 ml over the additional 4 hours. The new flow rate should be approximately 181.25 ml/hour. Make sure to adjust the IV infusion device to this new rate to ensure the IV completes on time.