Question

Order: NS​ 1,500 mL IV over 12 hours. The initial flow rate was correctly set at at 125​ mL/h. After 6 hours​ 1,200 mL remain to be infused. The infusion is behind schedule. Compute the new flow rate so that the infusion will finish on time. Note that flow rates may not be adjusted by more than​ 25% of the original rate. To what rate would you reset the flow​ rate, or would you contact the​ prescriber?

A. 31​ mL/h

B.Contact the prescriber.

C. 200​ mL/h

D.100​ mL/h

Answer 1

Given,

Order: NS​ 1,500 mL IV over 12 hours.

The initial flow rate was correctly set at at 125​ mL/h. [ initial flow rate= volume of solution/infusion time = 1500 ml/12 hr = 125 ml/hr]

After 6 hours​ 1,200 mL remain to be infused.

Now, total infusion time is 12 hr

After 6 hrs, time left for infusion of remaining 1200 ml solution= (12-6 ) hr=6 hrs

New flow rate = volume of solution left/ time left

= 1200 ml/6 hr

=200 ml/hr

Now, flow rates may not be adjusted by more than​ 25% of the original rate.

Original rate is 125 ml/hr

So, new flow rate should not be more than = (125+25% of 125) ml/hr

= (125 + 0.25 × 125) ml/hr

= 156.25 ml/hr

Here, new flow rate 200 ml/hr is more than maximum flow rate limit 156.25 ml/hr.

Hence, 200 ml/hr flow rate should be discarded.

Therefore, need to contact the prescriber.

So, answer is B. Contact the prescriber.