How do I calculate IV fluid rates for a patient?

How do I calculate IV fluid rates for a patient?

To calculate IV fluid rates, you need the total volume of fluid to be infused and the time over which it should be infused.

What if I have a 1,000 mL bag to be infused over 8 hours?

You would divide 1,000 mL by 8 hours, which gives you a rate of 125 mL per hour.

How do I convert that to drops per minute?

To convert to drops per minute, you need the drop factor of the IV set. For example, if the drop factor is 15 gtt/mL, you would calculate: (125 mL/hour) * (15 gtt/mL) / 60 min/hour = 31.25 gtt/min.

What if the patient needs a different volume or time?

You can use the same formula: Total volume (mL) / Time (hours) to find the rate, and then convert to drops per minute as needed.