1. What is Dextrose Infusion Rate?

The dextrose infusion rate calculates the intravenous flow rate needed to achieve a specific glucose delivery rate (GIR) based on patient weight and dextrose solution concentration. This is crucial for managing blood glucose levels in various clinical settings.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• GIR — Glucose Infusion Rate (mg/kg/min)
• Weight — Patient weight in kilograms
• Dextrose Concentration — Strength of IV solution (mg/mL)
• 60 — Conversion factor from minutes to hours

Explanation: The equation converts the desired glucose delivery rate into an actual infusion rate based on solution concentration and patient size.

3. Clinical Importance

Details: Proper dextrose infusion is critical in neonatal care, TPN administration, and glycemic control in ICU patients. Both under- and over-infusion can have serious consequences.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter GIR in mg/kg/min, weight in kg, and dextrose concentration in mg/mL (common concentrations: D5W = 50 mg/mL, D10W = 100 mg/mL). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical GIR ranges?
A: For neonates: 4-8 mg/kg/min initially, may increase to 10-12 mg/kg/min. Adults vary based on clinical needs.

Q2: How do I convert % dextrose to mg/mL?
A: Multiply percentage by 10 (e.g., 5% dextrose = 50 mg/mL, 10% = 100 mg/mL).

Q3: Why multiply by 60 in the formula?
A: This converts minutes to hours since infusion rates are typically ordered in mL/hr.

Q4: When is this calculation most important?
A: Critical for neonatal hypoglycemia management and patients requiring precise glucose control.

Q5: What monitoring is needed with dextrose infusions?
A: Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential to prevent hypo- or hyperglycemia.