Mario has a burn injury. After 48 hours, the physician orders for Mario 2 liters of IV fluid to be administered q12 h. The drop factor of the tubing is 10 gtt/ml. The nurse should set the flow to provide:
A. 18 gtt/min
B. 28 gtt/min
C. 32 gtt/min
D. 36 gtt/min
Correct Answer: B. 28 gtt/min
This is the correct flow rate; multiply the amount to be infused (2000 ml) by the drop factor (10) and divide the result by the amount of time in minutes (12 hours x 60 minutes)
Option A: This amount is inadequate according to the formula used.
Option C: 32 gtts/min is more than the prescribed gtts/min given.
Option D: This amount is incorrect according to the formula used to get the correct flow rate.