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How do I adjust my IV drip rate?

Published in IV Drip Adjustment 3 mins read

You can adjust your IV drip rate by using the roller clamp and counting the drops per minute in the drip chamber.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to adjust your IV drip rate, based on the information provided:

Understanding the Basics

  • Drip Factor: The drip factor is the number of drops it takes to equal one milliliter (mL) of fluid. This is a crucial value determined by the type of IV tubing you are using.

    • Macrodrip Tubing: Commonly has a drip factor of 10, 15, or 20 gtt/mL (drops per milliliter).
    • Microdrip Tubing: Typically has a drip factor of 60 gtt/mL.

  • Roller Clamp: The roller clamp on the IV tubing controls the flow rate of the IV fluid. By adjusting the clamp, you can either increase or decrease the rate of the infusion.

  • Drip Chamber: The drip chamber is the small, clear area located just below the IV bag. It allows you to count the individual drops of fluid entering the tubing.

Adjusting the IV Drip Rate

  1. Identify the Drip Factor: Before you begin, ensure you know the drip factor of your IV tubing.

  2. Calculate the Desired Drop Rate:

    • You need to know the required flow rate in mL per hour as ordered by the provider.

    • The formula to use is:

      Drop Rate (drops per minute) = (Volume (mL) / Time (minutes))  * Drip factor (gtt/mL)

    • For example, if your provider ordered 100 mL/hr and your tubing is 20gtt/mL:

    • 100mL/60 minutes * 20 gtt/mL = 33.3 or approximately 33 drops per minute.

  3. Adjust the Roller Clamp: To increase the drip rate, slightly loosen the roller clamp. To decrease it, tighten the roller clamp a little.

  4. Count the Drops: Observe the drip chamber and count the number of drops that fall in one minute. This should match the calculation you made.

  5. Fine-Tune: Make small adjustments to the roller clamp, and recount the drops. Continue adjusting the clamp until the drip rate matches the required rate of infusion.

  6. Example: With a macrodrip tubing of 20 gtt/mL, 20 drops equals one mL of fluid. If you need 60 mL per hour of fluid and it is a 20 gtt/mL tubing: 60 ml per hour is 1 ml per minute, which will require 20 gtt/minute.

Key Points to Remember

  • Accuracy: Precision in drip rate is vital for the effectiveness and safety of IV infusions.
  • Observation: Regularly check the drip rate and the insertion site throughout the infusion.
  • Medical Supervision: Always consult a healthcare provider before adjusting any IV drip rate.
Action Effect
Loosening the Roller Clamp Increases the Drip Rate
Tightening the Roller Clamp Decreases the Drip Rate

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