Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

What is the proper flow rate in mL/min for administering 1500mL over 12 hours?

1. 0.42 mL/min

2. 1.25 mL/min

3. 2.08 mL/min

4. 12.5 mL/min

The correct answer is: 2.08 mL/min

To determine the proper flow rate for administering 1500 mL over 12 hours, you first need to convert the time from hours to minutes. Since there are 60 minutes in an hour, 12 hours is equivalent to 720 minutes (12 hours x 60 minutes/hour). Next, to find the flow rate in mL per minute, divide the total volume (1500 mL) by the total time in minutes (720 minutes): \[ \text{Flow Rate} = \frac{\text{Total Volume}}{\text{Total Time}} = \frac{1500 mL}{720 min} \approx 2.08 mL/min \] This calculation shows that the flow rate required to administer 1500 mL over the specified time is approximately 2.08 mL/min. This understanding is crucial as accurate calculations for flow rates are vital for ensuring that patients receive the correct dosage of fluids or medications in a safe and timely manner. Factors such as the total volume and the duration of the administration play an essential role in determining the flow rate.