Calculate the infusion rate in gtt/min if 1000 mL is to be infused over 8 hours with a drop factor of 15 gtt/mL.

To determine the infusion rate in drops per minute (gtt/min), you first need to calculate the total volume to be infused in milliliters (mL) and the total infusion time in minutes. In this case, 1000 mL is to be infused over 8 hours.

First, convert the infusion time from hours to minutes:

8 hours = 8 × 60 minutes = 480 minutes.

Next, use the formula for the infusion rate:

Infusion rate (gtt/min) = (Total volume (mL) × Drop factor (gtt/mL)) ÷ Total time (min).

Substituting in the values:

Infusion rate (gtt/min) = (1000 mL × 15 gtt/mL) ÷ 480 min.

Calculating this gives:

Infusion rate (gtt/min) = 15000 gtt ÷ 480 min = 31.25 gtt/min.

This calculation shows that the correct infusion rate is 31.25 gtt/min, which aligns with the correct choice. Understanding this calculation is essential for accurate dosing and ensuring that patients receive the correct volume of medication or fluid over a specified period.