IV drip rate (microdrip) practice problems
Work each problem on paper first, rounding as the question says. Then open the answer to check it and see every step.
For study and exam practice, not for patient care. The orders in these problems are written for practice. In the clinic, follow the prescriber's order, your facility's protocols, and your pharmacy.
Problem 1
A client with dehydration from vomiting needs rehydration. The prescription reads: 0.9% sodium chloride 500 mL IV over 16 hours. The nurse uses microdrip tubing, 60 gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should the nurse regulate the infusion? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 31 gtt/min
- Minutes = 16 hours × 60 = 960 minutes.
- gtt/min = volume × drop factor ÷ minutes.
- 500 mL × 60 gtt/mL ÷ 960 minutes = 31.25 gtt/min.
- A drop cannot be split, so round to a whole number: 31 gtt/min.
Problem 2
Order: 5% dextrose in water 500 mL IV over 20 hours. The nurse uses microdrip tubing, 60 gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should the nurse regulate the infusion? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 25 gtt/min
- Minutes = 20 hours × 60 = 1,200 minutes.
- gtt/min = volume × drop factor ÷ minutes.
- 500 mL × 60 gtt/mL ÷ 1,200 minutes = 25 gtt/min.
- 25 gtt/min is exact, so no rounding is needed.
Problem 3
A client with hypotonic dehydration is prescribed maintenance fluid. Order: 0.45% sodium chloride 500 mL IV over 16 hours. The nurse uses microdrip tubing, 60 gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should the nurse regulate the infusion? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 31 gtt/min
- Minutes = 16 hours × 60 = 960 minutes.
- gtt/min = volume × drop factor ÷ minutes.
- 500 mL × 60 gtt/mL ÷ 960 minutes = 31.25 gtt/min.
- A drop cannot be split, so round to a whole number: 31 gtt/min.
Problem 4
A client who is dehydrated and unable to take adequate oral fluids is prescribed an IV infusion. Order: 5% dextrose in water 250 mL IV over 5 hours. The nurse uses microdrip tubing, 60 gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should the nurse regulate the infusion? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 50 gtt/min
- Minutes = 5 hours × 60 = 300 minutes.
- gtt/min = volume × drop factor ÷ minutes.
- 250 mL × 60 gtt/mL ÷ 300 minutes = 50 gtt/min.
- 50 gtt/min is exact, so no rounding is needed.
Problem 5
A client with hypernatremia needs maintenance hydration. Order: 0.45% sodium chloride 250 mL IV over 16 hours. The nurse uses microdrip tubing, 60 gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should the nurse regulate the infusion? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 16 gtt/min
- Minutes = 16 hours × 60 = 960 minutes.
- gtt/min = volume × drop factor ÷ minutes.
- 250 mL × 60 gtt/mL ÷ 960 minutes = 15.63 gtt/min.
- A drop cannot be split, so round to a whole number: 16 gtt/min.
Problem 6
Order: 5% dextrose and 0.45% sodium chloride 250 mL IV over 20 hours. The nurse uses microdrip tubing, 60 gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should the nurse regulate the infusion? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 13 gtt/min
- Minutes = 20 hours × 60 = 1,200 minutes.
- gtt/min = volume × drop factor ÷ minutes.
- 250 mL × 60 gtt/mL ÷ 1,200 minutes = 12.5 gtt/min.
- A drop cannot be split, so round to a whole number: 13 gtt/min.
Problem 7
A client with dehydration from vomiting is prescribed lactated Ringer's solution 100 mL IV over 5 hours. The nurse uses microdrip tubing, 60 gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should the nurse regulate the infusion? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 20 gtt/min
- Minutes = 5 hours × 60 = 300 minutes.
- gtt/min = volume × drop factor ÷ minutes.
- 100 mL × 60 gtt/mL ÷ 300 minutes = 20 gtt/min.
- 20 gtt/min is exact, so no rounding is needed.
Problem 8
The nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for 5% dextrose in water 100 mL IV over 5 hours. The nurse uses microdrip tubing, 60 gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should the nurse regulate the infusion? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 20 gtt/min
- Minutes = 5 hours × 60 = 300 minutes.
- gtt/min = volume × drop factor ÷ minutes.
- 100 mL × 60 gtt/mL ÷ 300 minutes = 20 gtt/min.
- 20 gtt/min is exact, so no rounding is needed.
Problem 9
Order: 0.9% sodium chloride 500 mL IV over 5 hours. The nurse uses microdrip tubing, 60 gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should the nurse regulate the infusion? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 100 gtt/min
- Minutes = 5 hours × 60 = 300 minutes.
- gtt/min = volume × drop factor ÷ minutes.
- 500 mL × 60 gtt/mL ÷ 300 minutes = 100 gtt/min.
- 100 gtt/min is exact, so no rounding is needed.
Problem 10
The nurse is caring for a client who has an order for 0.45% sodium chloride 100 mL IV over 5 hours. The nurse uses microdrip tubing, 60 gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should the nurse regulate the infusion? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 20 gtt/min
- Minutes = 5 hours × 60 = 300 minutes.
- gtt/min = volume × drop factor ÷ minutes.
- 100 mL × 60 gtt/mL ÷ 300 minutes = 20 gtt/min.
- 20 gtt/min is exact, so no rounding is needed.
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