Calculate the flow rate in mL/hr. (The equipment used is programmable in whole mL/hr).
Order: 100 mL 0.45% NS in 45 minutes by infusion pump.
Calculate the rate in mL/hr.
A.
145 mL/hr
B.
133 mL/hr
C.
125 mL/hr
D.
145 mL/hr
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
To calculate the flow rate in mL/hr for the infusion, follow these steps:
- Identify the total volume to be infused and the total time for infusion:
- Volume: 100 mL
- Time: 45 minutes
- Convert the infusion time from minutes to hours:
- There are 60 minutes in an hour. Therefore, convert 45 minutes to hours: Time in hours=45 minutes60 minutes/hour=0.75 hours\text{Time in hours} = \frac{45 \text{ minutes}}{60 \text{ minutes/hour}} = 0.75 \text{ hours}Time in hours=60 minutes/hour45 minutes=0.75 hours
- Calculate the flow rate in mL/hr:
- The formula for calculating the flow rate is: Flow rate=Total volumeTotal time\text{Flow rate} = \frac{\text{Total volume}}{\text{Total time}}Flow rate=Total timeTotal volume
- Substitute the values into the formula: Flow rate=100 mL0.75 hours=1000.75=133.3‾ mL/hr\text{Flow rate} = \frac{100 \text{ mL}}{0.75 \text{ hours}} = \frac{100}{0.75} = 133.\overline{3} \text{ mL/hr}Flow rate=0.75 hours100 mL=0.75100=133.3 mL/hr
- Round the result to the nearest whole number (since the equipment is programmable in whole mL/hr):
- 133.\overline{3} mL/hr rounded to the nearest whole number is 133 mL/hr.
Thus, the correct answer is B. 133 mL/hr.
Explanation:
The infusion pump needs to deliver 100 mL of 0.45% NS (Normal Saline) over a period of 45 minutes. To set the infusion pump correctly, it’s crucial to calculate the infusion rate accurately to ensure the medication is administered properly and within the specified time frame.
First, convert the time from minutes to hours since the flow rate is commonly measured in mL/hr. By converting 45 minutes to 0.75 hours, we align the time unit with the flow rate unit.
Next, apply the formula for flow rate by dividing the total volume by the total time in hours. This gives a flow rate of 133.\overline{3} mL/hr. As infusion pumps are typically set to whole numbers, this value is rounded to the nearest whole number, which is 133 mL/hr. This ensures that the infusion pump is set correctly to administer the solution at the intended rate, ensuring the proper delivery of medication.