Dosage calculation methods
Calculate a gravity infusion rate
Which quantities determine a gravity IV rate in drops per minute?
Clinical context
Use a verified prescription, the actual tubing drop factor and the stated rounding rule. This is arithmetic practice, not a fluid prescription.
The clinical connection
Multiply the prescribed volume in mL by the tubing drop factor in gtt/mL, then divide by the infusion time in minutes. Round to a whole drop when instructed.
mL × gtt/mL ÷ minutes leaves gtt/min. Convert hours to minutes before dividing; a pump rate in mL/hour is a different unit.
Keep in mind
Read the drop factor from the tubing; do not assume every administration set has the same factor.
Source
Open RN, Nursing Skills (2023): Math calculations, IV infusion by gravity