What is the required IV flow rate in gtt/min for an infusion rate of 90 mL/hr using a drop factor of 20 gtt/mL?

To find the required IV flow rate in gtt/min for an infusion rate of 90 mL/hr with a drop factor of 20 gtt/mL, it's essential to understand the calculation for converting volume and time into drip rates.

First, we convert the infusion rate from mL/hr to mL/min. Since there are 60 minutes in an hour, the conversion would be:

90 mL/hr ÷ 60 min/hr = 1.5 mL/min

Next, we need to calculate the number of drops per minute using the drop factor. The drop factor tells us how many drops are in 1 mL of fluid, which is given as 20 gtt/mL in this case.

Now, we multiply the flow rate in mL/min by the drop factor:

1.5 mL/min × 20 gtt/mL = 30 gtt/min

Thus, the required IV flow rate is 30 gtt/min. This calculation incorporates both the desired infusion rate and the specific drop factor, allowing us to arrive at the correct answer clearly and systematically.