Using microdrip tubing, how many gtts/min will be delivered if 3000 ml of D5W is infused over 15 hours?

To calculate the flow rate in drops per minute (gtts/min) using microdrip tubing for the given infusion of 3000 ml of D5W over 15 hours, you first need to determine the total volume to be infused and the time in minutes.

1. Convert the infusion time from hours to minutes:

15 hours = 15 × 60 minutes = 900 minutes.

2. Next, determine the flow rate in ml/min:

Flow rate (ml/min) = Total volume (ml) / Time (min)

Flow rate = 3000 ml / 900 min = 3.33 ml/min.

3. Since microdrip tubing typically delivers 60 gtts/ml, you will multiply the flow rate by the drop factor:

Flow rate (gtts/min) = Flow rate (ml/min) × Drop factor

Flow rate = 3.33 ml/min × 60 gtts/ml = 200 gtts/min.

Thus, the correct answer reflects the calculation showing that if you deliver 3000 ml over 15 hours with microdrip tubing, the rate will be 200 drops per minute.