The physician ordered clindamycin (Cleocin) 900 mg in 75 mL over 30 minutes with a drop factor of 15 gtt/mL. What is the correct IV flow rate in drops per minute? Use both the standard formula and dimensional analysis to solve this problem. Round off to the nearest whole number.
A) 37
B) 38
C) 75
D) 150

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For IV piggyback problems, use the standard calculation formula used for IVs: Milliliters * TF/Minutes = gtt/minute. Therefore, 75 mL * 15 gtt/mL ÷ 30 minutes = 1125/30 = 37.5 gtt/minute; round off to 38 gtt/minute. Use this formula for dimensional analysis: gtt/mL *mL/minute. Therefore, 15 gtt/1 mL *75 mL/30 minutes = 15 gtt * 75/1 * 30 = 1125 gtt/30 minutes = 37.5 gtt/minute; round off to 38 gtt/minute.

The Physician Ordered Clindamycin (Cleocin) 900 Mg in 75 ML