A nurse is preparing to administer potassium chloride 40 mEq in dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride 1,000 mL IV to infuse over 8 hr. The tubing has a drop factor of 15 gtt/mL. The nurse should set the IV flow rate to deliver how many gtt/min? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)
The correct answer and Explanation is :
To calculate the IV flow rate in drops per minute (gtt/min), we first need to determine the total volume to be infused and the infusion time.
Step 1: Total Volume and Time
- Total volume: 1,000 mL
- Infusion time: 8 hours
Step 2: Convert hours to minutes
8 hours × 60 minutes/hour = 480 minutes
Step 3: Calculate the flow rate in mL/min
To find the flow rate in mL/min, divide the total volume by the total time:
[
\text{Flow rate (mL/min)} = \frac{1000 \, \text{mL}}{480 \, \text{min}} \approx 2.08 \, \text{mL/min}
]
Step 4: Calculate the drops per minute (gtt/min)
Now, we use the drop factor of the tubing (15 gtt/mL) to convert mL/min to gtt/min:
[
\text{Flow rate (gtt/min)} = 2.08 \, \text{mL/min} \times 15 \, \text{gtt/mL} \approx 31.2 \, \text{gtt/min}
]
Step 5: Round to the nearest whole number
Rounding 31.2 to the nearest whole number gives us 31 gtt/min.
Final Answer
The nurse should set the IV flow rate to deliver 31 gtt/min.
Explanation
This calculation is critical for ensuring the correct dosage of potassium chloride is administered to the patient over the specified time. Potassium is vital for various physiological functions, and administering it too quickly can lead to hyperkalemia, which can have serious cardiac consequences. By calculating the flow rate accurately, the nurse helps maintain safe and effective treatment, minimizing the risk of complications. Monitoring the infusion rate and the patient’s response is also essential, as potassium chloride can cause irritation at the injection site and other adverse reactions. Thus, the calculated flow rate serves as a guideline for safe administration while allowing for adjustments based on clinical judgment and patient needs.