What is the infusion rate in gtts/min for D51/2NS 1000 mL over 16 hrs with a drop factor of 13 gtts/mL?

To determine the infusion rate in drops per minute (gtts/min), first, calculate the total volume to be infused, which is 1000 mL. The infusion is scheduled to take 16 hours, so you need to convert that time into minutes.

16 hours is equal to 16 x 60 = 960 minutes.

Next, you will divide the total volume (1000 mL) by the total time (960 minutes) to get the infusion rate in mL/min:

1000 mL ÷ 960 min = 1.04167 mL/min.

Now, to convert this rate into drops per minute, use the drop factor provided, which is 13 gtts/mL. Multiply the infusion rate in mL/min by the drop factor:

1.04167 mL/min x 13 gtts/mL = 13.541 gtts/min.

Rounding this number gives approximately 14 gtts/min, which corresponds to the correct choice.

This calculation thoroughly explains the correct answer, as the drop factor directly influences how you translate mL/min into gtts/min. By understanding this relationship and how to manipulate the time and volume for infusion calculations, you'll be able to accurately determine infusion