If an IV requires a rate of 30 gtt/min and is set for a 60 gtt/mL drip factor, how fast is the fluid delivered in mL/hour?

To determine the flow rate in mL/hour based on the given drip rate and drip factor, you can use the following formula:

Flow rate (mL/hour) = (drop rate (gtt/min) × 60 minutes/hour) / drip factor (gtt/mL).

In this scenario, the drip rate is 30 gtt/min and the drip factor is 60 gtt/mL. First, you multiply the drop rate by 60 to convert it to an hourly rate:

30 gtt/min × 60 min/hour = 1800 gtt/hour.

Next, you divide the total number of drops per hour by the drip factor:

1800 gtt/hour ÷ 60 gtt/mL = 30 mL/hour.

Thus, the correct answer reflects that the fluid is delivered at a rate of 30 mL/hour. This calculation effectively illustrates how to convert a drop rate into a volume over time, which is essential for administering IV medications accurately. Understanding this process is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure proper hydration and medication administration to patients.