1. What is Infusion Pump Rate?

The infusion pump rate is the speed at which intravenous (IV) fluids or medications are administered to a patient, typically measured in milliliters per hour (mL/hr). It's a critical parameter in IV therapy to ensure proper dosing and patient safety.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic infusion rate formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Rate} \) — Infusion rate (mL/hr)
• \( \text{Volume} \) — Total volume to be infused (mL)
• \( \text{Time} \) — Duration of infusion (hours)

Explanation: This simple division gives the rate at which the infusion pump should be set to deliver the prescribed volume over the specified time period.

3. Importance of Accurate Rate Calculation

Details: Correct infusion rates are essential for medication safety, especially for time-sensitive or high-alert medications. Incorrect rates can lead to underdosing or overdosing, with potentially serious consequences.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total volume in milliliters and the infusion duration in hours. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the rate in mL/hr.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my infusion time is in minutes?
A: Convert minutes to hours by dividing by 60 before entering the value (e.g., 30 minutes = 0.5 hours).

Q2: How precise should the rate be?
A: Most infusion pumps can be set to 0.1 mL/hr precision. For critical medications, use the exact calculated value.

Q3: What about drop rate calculations?
A: This calculator provides the electronic pump rate. For gravity infusions, you would need to calculate drops per minute based on the tubing's drop factor.

Q4: Should I round the calculated rate?
A: Round to one decimal place (tenths) unless the medication requires more precise dosing.

Q5: What are typical infusion rates?
A: Rates vary widely based on the medication and patient condition, from 1-2 mL/hr for concentrated drugs to 100+ mL/hr for fluid resuscitation.