For a pediatric patient requiring an infusion rate of 40 mL/hr through a microdrip IV, what should the nurse set the microdrip to in gtt/min?

To determine the microdrip setting in gtt/min for a pediatric patient requiring an infusion rate of 40 mL/hr, it is essential to understand the relationship between mL/hr and gtt/min in microdrip administration.

Microdrip sets typically have a drip factor of 60 gtt/mL. This means that for every 1 mL of fluid administered, there are 60 drops. To convert the infusion rate from mL/hr to gtt/min, one can use the following formula:

1. First, calculate the total volume infused in drops per hour:

• 40 mL/hr × 60 gtt/mL = 2400 gtt/hr.

2. Next, convert this hourly rate into a per minute rate:

• 2400 gtt/hr ÷ 60 min/hr = 40 gtt/min.

By setting the microdrip infusion to 40 gtt/min, the nurse will ensure that the pediatric patient receives the accurate infusion rate of 40 mL/hr. This ensures proper dosing and can prevent complications associated with under or over-infusion in sensitive pediatric populations.