Drip Rate Calculator
Calculate IV infusion drip rates (gtt/min), infusion time, and medication delivery rates. Essential for nurses, medical students, and healthcare professionals.
Step 1: Infusion Parameters
Drip Rate Formula
Drip Rate (gtt/min) = (Volume (mL) × Drop Factor (gtt/mL)) ÷ Time (min)
Common Drop Factors:
• Microdrip: 60 gtt/mL
• Standard: 15 gtt/mL
• Blood: 10 gtt/mL
• Macrodrip: 20 gtt/mL
Step 2: Calculation Options
Safety Guidelines
• Always double-check calculations
• Verify drop factor with IV set
• Monitor patient response
• Adjust for critical medications
• Document all calculations
Drip Rate Calculation Results
Required Drip Rate
Drop Factor Comparison
| IV Set Type | Drop Factor | Drip Rate | Common Uses | Flow Characteristics |
|---|
IV Administration Safety Guidelines
Critical Medications
• Always use infusion pumps for critical medications
• Double-check calculations with another nurse
• Monitor vital signs every 15-30 minutes
• Document drip rate changes and rationale
Pediatric & Geriatric Patients
• Use microdrip sets for precise control
• Calculate based on body weight when applicable
• Monitor for fluid overload
• Adjust rates based on patient response
Medication Compatibility
• Verify medication compatibility with IV fluid
• Check for Y-site compatibility if multiple medications
• Monitor for signs of precipitation or reaction
• Use separate lines for incompatible medications
Documentation
• Record initial drip rate and calculations
• Document all rate changes with time and reason
• Note patient response to infusion
• Record pump settings and alarms
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