IV Flow Rate Dosage Calculations

Introduction

• Focus: Solving for hourly rate (milliliters per hour) in IV flow rate dosage calculations.
• Video provides practice quiz for further learning.
• Different methods can be used. This lecture focuses on using a specific formula.

Formulating Hourly Rate

• Formula Basis:
  • Top part: Total volume ordered for the patient (milliliters).
  • Bottom part: Total hours for infusion.
  • Calculation: Divide total milliliters by total hours to get milliliters per hour.

Example 1: 500 mL over 8 hours

• Problem Statement: Physician orders 500 mL over 8 hours.
• Calculation:
  • Formula: 500 mL ÷ 8 hrs = 62.5 mL/hr
  • Round to nearest whole number: 63 mL/hr

Converting Units

• Example 2: 2 Liters over 12 hours
  • Conversion: 1 liter = 1000 mL
  • Convert 2 liters to 2000 mL
• Calculation:
  • Formula: 2000 mL ÷ 12 hrs = 166.66 mL/hr
  • Round to nearest whole number: 167 mL/hr

Calculating Total Volume

• Example 3: 167 mL/hr for 12 hours
  • Solve for total volume instead of hourly rate.
• Calculation:
  • Multiply hourly rate by total hours: 167 mL/hr × 12 hrs = 2004 mL

Drops Per Minute Calculation

• Example 4: 1 Liter over 6 hours with Drop Factor
  • Drop Factor: 15 drops/mL
• Hourly Rate Calculation:
  • Convert 1 liter to 1000 mL
  • Formula: 1000 mL ÷ 6 hrs = 166.66 mL/hr (round to 167 mL/hr)
• Drops Per Minute Calculation:
  • Formula: (Total mL ÷ Total Minutes) × Drop Factor
  • Convert hours to minutes: 6 hrs × 60 = 360 minutes
  • Calculation: (1000 ÷ 360) × 15 = 41.66 drops/minute (round to 42 drops/minute)

Alternative Method:

• Use hourly rate directly:
  • Calculation: (167 ÷ 60) × 15 = 41.75 drops/minute (round to 42 drops/minute)

Conclusion

• Covered calculation of hourly flow rate and drops per minute.
• Mention of additional resources and videos available for further practice.

Additional Resources

• Further practice problems and explanations available in linked resources.