IV flow rate (mL/hr) 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
The nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for 5% dextrose in water 250 mL IV over 18 hours. The nurse has an infusion pump available for the client's IV line. At how many mL/hr should the nurse set the infusion pump? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 14 mL/hr
- mL/hr = total volume ÷ total hours.
- 250 mL ÷ 18 hours = 13.89 mL/hr.
- Round to a whole number: 14 mL/hr.
Problem 2
The nurse is caring for a client with dehydration and an elevated sodium level. Prescription: 0.45% sodium chloride 250 mL IV over 14 hours. At how many mL/hr should the nurse set the infusion pump? Record your answer using a whole number.
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Answer: 18 mL/hr
- mL/hr = total volume ÷ total hours.
- 250 mL ÷ 14 hours = 17.86 mL/hr.
- Round to a whole number: 18 mL/hr.
Problem 3
Order: 0.9% sodium chloride 500 mL IV over 14 hours. Available: 0.9% sodium chloride 500 mL bags with an infusion pump that is calibrated in mL/hr. At how many mL/hr should the nurse set the infusion pump? Record your answer using a whole number.
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Answer: 36 mL/hr
- mL/hr = total volume ÷ total hours.
- 500 mL ÷ 14 hours = 35.71 mL/hr.
- Round to a whole number: 36 mL/hr.
Problem 4
The nurse is caring for a client who has an order for 5% dextrose in water 500 mL IV over 9 hours. The nurse will use an infusion pump to deliver the fluid through the client's IV line. At how many mL/hr should the nurse set the infusion pump? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 56 mL/hr
- mL/hr = total volume ÷ total hours.
- 500 mL ÷ 9 hours = 55.56 mL/hr.
- Round to a whole number: 56 mL/hr.
Problem 5
Order: 0.45% sodium chloride 500 mL IV over 9 hours. At how many mL/hr should the nurse set the infusion pump? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 56 mL/hr
- mL/hr = total volume ÷ total hours.
- 500 mL ÷ 9 hours = 55.56 mL/hr.
- Round to a whole number: 56 mL/hr.
Problem 6
The nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for 0.45% sodium chloride 250 mL IV over 18 hours. The nurse will use an infusion pump that delivers the fluid in mL/hr for the full duration of the order. At how many mL/hr should the nurse set the infusion pump? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 14 mL/hr
- mL/hr = total volume ÷ total hours.
- 250 mL ÷ 18 hours = 13.89 mL/hr.
- Round to a whole number: 14 mL/hr.
Problem 7
Order: 0.45% sodium chloride 500 mL IV bolus over 45 minutes. Available: 0.45% sodium chloride 500 mL. At how many mL/hr should the nurse set the infusion pump? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 667 mL/hr
- Convert minutes to hours: 45 ÷ 60 = 0.75 hours.
- mL/hr = 500 mL ÷ 0.75 hours = 666.666667 mL/hr.
- Round to a whole number: 667 mL/hr.
Problem 8
Order: 5% dextrose in water 500 mL IV over 7 hours. At how many mL/hr should the nurse set the infusion pump? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 71 mL/hr
- mL/hr = total volume ÷ total hours.
- 500 mL ÷ 7 hours = 71.43 mL/hr.
- Round to a whole number: 71 mL/hr.
Problem 9
The nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for 5% dextrose and 0.45% sodium chloride 500 mL IV over 7 hours. The nurse is setting up an electronic infusion pump for this IV fluid. At how many mL/hr should the nurse set the infusion pump? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 71 mL/hr
- mL/hr = total volume ÷ total hours.
- 500 mL ÷ 7 hours = 71.43 mL/hr.
- Round to a whole number: 71 mL/hr.
Problem 10
The nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for 5% dextrose in water 250 mL IV over 9 hours. The nurse will use an electronic infusion pump for this IV infusion. At how many mL/hr should the nurse set the infusion pump? Record your answer using a whole number.
Show answer and steps
Answer: 28 mL/hr
- mL/hr = total volume ÷ total hours.
- 250 mL ÷ 9 hours = 27.78 mL/hr.
- Round to a whole number: 28 mL/hr.
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