Infusion pumps control an accurate rate of fluid infusion. Infusion pumps deliver a specific amount of fluid during a specific amount of time. For example, an infusion pump can deliver 150 mL in 1 hr or 50 mL in 20 min.
Example: A nurse is preparing to administer dextrose 5% in water (D5W) 500 mL IV to infuse over 4 hr. The nurse should set the IV infusion pump to deliver how many mL/hr? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)
STEP 1: What is the unit of measurement the nurse should calculate?
mL/hr
STEP 2: What is the volume the nurse should infuse?
500 mL
STEP 3: What is the total infusion time?
4 hr
STEP 4: Should the nurse convert the units of measurement? No
STEP 5: Set up the equation and solve for X.
Volume (mL) = X mL/hrTime (hr)
500 mL = X mL/hr4 hr
125 = X
STEP 6: Round, if necessary.
STEP 7: Reassess to determine whether the IV flow rate makes sense. If the prescription reads 500 mL to infuse over 4 hr, it makes sense to administer 125 mL/hr. The nurse should set the IV pump to deliver D5W 500 mL IV at 125 mL/hr.