Assuming the infusion pump uses microdrip tubing with a drop factor of 60 gtts/mL, what will the drip rate (gtt/min) be if the flow rate is 125 mL/hr?

To determine the drip rate in drops per minute (gtt/min) using microdrip tubing with a drop factor of 60 gtts/mL, begin by recognizing the relationship between the infusion rate and the drop factor.

First, convert the flow rate of 125 mL/hr into mL/min to make the calculation easier. Since there are 60 minutes in an hour, you divide the flow rate by 60:

125 mL/hr ÷ 60 min/hr = approximately 2.08 mL/min.

Next, apply the drop factor of the microdrip tubing. Since the tubing delivers 60 drops for every 1 mL, you can calculate the drops per minute by multiplying the flow rate in mL/min by the drop factor:

2.08 mL/min × 60 gtts/mL = 124.8 gtt/min.

Rounding this number gives you a drip rate of 125 gtt/min. Thus, when the flow rate is set correctly, the infusion pump delivers the desired volume through the microdrip tubing at a rate of 125 drops per minute, aligning with the given flow rate. Therefore, the answer is correct as it accurately reflects the calculations based on the flow rate and