IV flow rate (mL/h)
An IV pump runs in mL for each hour. Find the rate that gives the volume in the time that the order says.
For practice only. Not for clinical use. The drug names and numbers are made up. Always follow your school's and your facility's rules.
Practice problem
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The order is 500 mL of normal saline IV over 8 hours. At what rate do you set the pump, in mL/h?
Round to the nearest whole number.
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How to solve it
Flow rate in mL/h equals the volume in mL divided by the time in hours. If the time is in minutes, divide it by 60 first.
Worked example
The order is 100 mL of normal saline IV over 12 hours. At what rate do you set the pump, in mL/h?
Solution
- 100 mL ÷ 12 h = 8.3333 mL/h, rounded to 8 mL/h.
Formula: Rate (mL/h) = volume (mL) ÷ time (h)
Answer: 8 mL/h
Questions
How do I find the flow rate in mL/h?
Divide the volume in mL by the time in hours. For example, 500 mL in 4 hours is 125 mL/h.
What if the time is in minutes?
Divide the minutes by 60 to get hours. You can also multiply the answer by 60. For example, 100 mL in 30 minutes is 200 mL/h.
What is an IV pump?
An IV pump is a device that gives fluid at a set rate. You set the rate in mL/h.
What does the rounding message mean?
Your number is right, but you did not round it as the problem asks. Round it the way the problem says. Then type it again.