Instructions: Calculate the flow rate in mL/hr (The equipment used is programmable in whole mL/hr). Order: 3,600 mL of D5W in 24 hr by infusion pump.
A.
75 mL/hr
B.
50 mL/hr
C.
60ml/hr
D.
150 mL/hr
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
To calculate the flow rate in mL/hr for administering 3,600 mL of D5W (5% dextrose in water) over 24 hours using an infusion pump, follow these steps:
- Determine the total volume to be infused: The total volume of D5W to be infused is 3,600 mL.
- Determine the total infusion time: The infusion time is 24 hours.
- Calculate the flow rate using the formula:Flow rate=Total volumeTotal time\text{Flow rate} = \frac{\text{Total volume}}{\text{Total time}}Flow rate=Total timeTotal volumeSubstituting the given values:Flow rate=3,600 mL24 hours\text{Flow rate} = \frac{3,600 \text{ mL}}{24 \text{ hours}}Flow rate=24 hours3,600 mLPerforming the division:Flow rate=150 mL/hr\text{Flow rate} = 150 \text{ mL/hr}Flow rate=150 mL/hr
- Verify the calculation: To ensure the accuracy, you can multiply the flow rate by the total infusion time to check if it matches the total volume:150 mL/hr×24 hours=3,600 mL150 \text{ mL/hr} \times 24 \text{ hours} = 3,600 \text{ mL}150 mL/hr×24 hours=3,600 mLThis confirms that the flow rate calculation is correct.
Explanation:
The flow rate calculation is straightforward. It involves dividing the total volume of the fluid to be infused by the total duration of the infusion. This provides the rate at which the infusion pump should be set to deliver the fluid continuously over the specified time.
In this scenario, you have a total volume of 3,600 mL to be delivered over a period of 24 hours. By dividing 3,600 mL by 24 hours, you determine that the infusion pump should be set to a flow rate of 150 mL/hr to achieve the desired infusion over the 24-hour period.
Setting the pump to 150 mL/hr ensures that the entire 3,600 mL of D5W will be delivered in exactly 24 hours, maintaining proper fluid administration rates and avoiding any potential issues related to under- or over-infusion.