Clindamycin 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?

Clindamycin 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?

• A. 38 gtt/min
• B. 25 gtt/min
• C. 42 gtt/min
• D. 50 gtt/min

Answer: (A)

Flow rate is how many drops must be delivered each minute, based on the volume to infuse and the time, using the drop factor to convert milliliters to drops. First, determine how much fluid goes in each minute: 75 mL over 30 minutes equals 2.5 mL per minute. Next, convert that to drops using the drop factor: 2.5 mL/min × 15 drops/mL = 37.5 drops per minute. Since you can’t deliver half a drop, round to the nearest whole drop, which is 38 drops per minute. The 900 mg dose doesn’t affect the rate calculation; it’s about ensuring the total volume is infused over the specified time. So the IV flow rate is about 38 gtt per minute.

Flow rate is how many drops must be delivered each minute, based on the volume to infuse and the time, using the drop factor to convert milliliters to drops. First, determine how much fluid goes in each minute: 75 mL over 30 minutes equals 2.5 mL per minute. Next, convert that to drops using the drop factor: 2.5 mL/min × 15 drops/mL = 37.5 drops per minute. Since you can’t deliver half a drop, round to the nearest whole drop, which is 38 drops per minute. The 900 mg dose doesn’t affect the rate calculation; it’s about ensuring the total volume is infused over the specified time. So the IV flow rate is about 38 gtt per minute.