Discussion Question 4: Analyzing the Safety of IV Flow Rates

  1. Look at the Answer Key in the back of this textbook for all the problems in Chapter 22. Look specifically at the infusion rates in mL/h (and gtt/min), and consider, based on these values, what kinds of range of infusion rates seem typical for adults. (Remember when looking at infusion rates in gtt/min to consider which size tubing was used.) Then consider the following infusion rates: which of these rates seem high enough or low enough that you should consider checking them for correctness? Explain your choices.

    When explaining your answers, refer specifically to the answer key provided here and use that to justify your choice of answer--do not refer to explanations from an AI source. If you do wish to refer to a different source (e.g., particular guidelines from a reputable organization), CITE that source specifically in your answer.

    As with the prior discussion board, there is not a clear cut right/wrong answer to these questions--the important thing is your reasoning about when a rate seems too high or too low, given the information that you have (or that you might have in a given situation).

    1. 5

      mL
      h

    2. 200

      mL
      h

    3. 67

      mL
      h

    4. 300

      mL
      h

    5. 167

      mL
      h

    6. 25

      mL
      h

    7. 105

      mL
      h

  2. Which of the above rates seem too large for a small child (for example, one that weighs about 10 kg)? (to answer this question, you may want to consult last week's lecture again). Explain your choices.

  3. You have been given an order to give a medication at a rate of 100

    gtt
    min
    to a healthy adult.

    1. The tubing you are to use to give this IV infustion is microdrip tubing. Given the circumstances, does this flow rate seem unusually high or low? Why or why not? (hint: consider your answers to question 1)

    2. Suppose that instead you are to use macrodrip tubing. Now that the circumstances have changed, does this flow rate seem unusually high or low? Why or why not?

  4. True or False? Explain your choice.: "An IV flow rate of 85

    mL
    h
    is commonly used for medications given to adults, so if you have a drug order stating that a patient should receive 85
    mL
    h
    , as long as the patient is an adult, you don't need to question it."