January 1, 2009

Calculating IV flow Rates Using MAGIC NUMBER Method

For my friends who get this by e-mail, you can ignore this one. It's for us math-challenged nurses!

After memorizing this formula, I just made 100% on an online Pharmacology Test!

Calculating IV flow rates using MAGIC NUMBER method.
I copied this from allnurses.com Thank-you NeneRN

Determining which "magic number" you will use depends on your tubing gtt size. (60 divided by gtt size equals magic number).

For example, 60 gtt tubing; 60 divided by 60 equals ONE.
15 gtt tubing; 60 divided by 15, equals FOUR.
10 gtt tubing; 60 divided by 10 equals SIX.

Okay, so once you know which "magic number" you're using, you then divide your ordered rate (ml/hr) by the magic number to get your gtts/min.

For example, You have an order for NS at 120cc/hr using 15 gtt tubing. What is your drip rate in gtts/min? 60 divided by 15 equals FOUR (magic number). 120 cc/hr divided by 4 equals 30 gtts/min.

Another example,Your order is to infuse D5NS at 240ml/hr using 10 gtt tubing. What is your drip rate in gtts/min? 60 divided by 10 equals SIX (magic number). 240ml/hr divided by 6 equals 40 gtts/min

Take Care on the Journey,
Always remember your Conversion Rules!
~Linda

Home: http://dustyangels.blogspot.com/
E-Mail: bestnurse@usa.com

5 comments:

  1. Katy6:41 PM

    ugh, sounds awfully complicated! I'm glad I just have to talk to people about their benefits rather than administer those benefits! :)

    Happy New Year! Congratulations on your 100% test score, smarty.

    love,
    katy

    ReplyDelete
  2. The Cat's Meow8:13 PM

    Over my head!! Way to go on you test.
    I'm trying to learn how to throw a BABY shower, any ideas?? We're having it feb.7
    appy New Year.
    Love ya

    ReplyDelete
  3. MW S.N.1:15 AM

    Thanks for the formula! Second semester RN student here, good luck with your classes! I read some of your blog. I'm in CA and if it makes you feel any better, the instructors here don't correlate the text/lectures with the tests! It's so frustrating sometimes, almost feels like they are trying to make you fail. I love your positive attitude! Keep your head up and keep on going!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Linda J. Meikle (Former Linda Cash)7:18 PM

    Thanks, MW S.N. for your encouraging comment. I wish you the best and hope you'll keep in touch and let us know how you're doing.

    ~Linda

    ReplyDelete
  5. Tim Swaggbro7:56 AM

    Awesome admin! Nice article use in this blog.
    IV Infusion Joshua Tree CA

    ReplyDelete

I enjoy all comments. You can write and sign as anonymous if it's easier. I get a copy of all comments in my email at bestnurse@usa.com, so I can reply anytime. Take Care on the Journey. YOU ARE SPECIAL! ~Linda