NUR 116 PHARMACOLOGY DOSAGE CALCULATIONS STUDY GUIDE (LATEST 2025/2026) ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100% VERIFIED

NUR 116 PHARMACOLOGY dosage calculations study guide (latest 2025/2026) actual questions and answers 100% verified INTRAVENOUS CALCULATIONS This unit covers how to calculate get/min, mL/hr., units/hr., and mcg/kg/min medication problems. Drops Per Minute (get/min) Calculations MEMORIZE THIS Drops = get Drop Factor = get/mL Drop Rate = get/min Micro drip set = 60gtt/mL 1 hour = 60 minutes The intravenous (IV) catheter set is calibrated to deliver a certain amount of drops per 1 mL, known as the drop factor. A macro drip tubing set will deliver 10, 15, or 20 get/mL, which is typically used for adult intravenous administrations. A micro drip tubing set will deliver 60 get/mL which is used more in pediatrics or critical care settings. The get/mL (drop factor) will be printed on the intravenous tubing set Example Problem: The order is to infuse 125 mL/hr. The drop factor is 10 get/ml. How many get/min will infuse? Step 1: Write the unit of measure being calculated. We are looking for 2 units of measurement in this problem. get = min Step 2: The numerator of what you are solving for must go in the first numerator spot of the problem. Remember, keep your “sisters” together and place the other part of the ratio in the denominator spot. get = 10 get min 1 mL Step 3: Now, follow the leader diagonally with matching units of measurement. Then convert using the time conversion 1 hour = 60 minutes, if minutes is not in the last denominator spot. get = 10 get x 125 mL x 1 hr. = min 1 mL 1 hr. 60 min Step 4: Cross out matching units of measurement. You should have get/min remaining. Now, calculate. Round to the whole number. You cannot have an accurate half of a drop. get = 10 get x 125 mL x 1 hr. = 1250 = 20.8 = 21 get/min min 1mL 1hr 60 min 60 Example Problem: The order states to infuse 90 mL/hr. with a drop factor of 20 get/ml. Calculate the get/min. get = 20gtt x 90 mL x 1 hr. = 1800 = 30 get/min min 1mL 1hr 60min 60 Example Problem: Administer 80 mL/hr. using a 15 get/mL set. How many get/min will be delivered? get = 15gtt x 80mL x 1hr = 1200 = 20 get/min min 1mL 1hr 60min 60 PRACTICE EXERCISE #1 1. Administer 110 mL/hr. using a drop factor of 20 get/ml. What are the get/min? Round the answer to the nearest whole number. get 20gtt 110mL 1hour 2200 = x x = =36.66=37 get/min min mL 1hour 60mins 60 2. An IV of 1000 mL is ordered to infuse at 150 mL/hr. using a 10 get/mL set. What are the get/min? Round the answer to the nearest whole number. get 10gtt 150mL 1hour 1500 = x x = =25gtt/min min mL 1hour 60mins 60 3. A medication volume of 50 mL is to infuse at 20 mL/hr. using a 20 get/mL set. Calculate the get/min. Round the answer to the nearest whole number. get 20gtt 20mL 1hour 400 = x x = =6.66=7 get/min min mL 1hour 60mins 60 4. A rate of 60 mL/hr. is ordered for a volume of 250 mL using a drop factor of 10 get/ml. Calculate the get/min. Round the answer to the nearest whole number. get 10gtt 60mL 1hour 600 = x x = =10gtt/min min mL 1hour 60mins 60 NOW LET’S ADD A LITTLE MORE ……. IV CALCULATIONS ONLY Always Over/In Never Every We will NEVER use the time listed after the word EVERY. We will ALWAYS use the time after the word(s) OVER or IN. This will help to identify the true “sister” to the ml. Example Problem: The physician orders Rocephin 1 Gram in 100 mL IV every 24 hours. Rocephin is to be administered over 1 hour. Calculate the flow rate in gets/min using a drop factor of 15 get/ml. Round the answer to the nearest whole number. get = 15gtt x 100 mL x 1 hr. = 1500 = 25gtt/min min 1mL 1hr 60 min 60 PRACTICE EXERCISE # 2 1. The MD orders 1000 mL of D5W to be given over 6 hours. The tubing has a drop factor of 10gtt/ml. Calculate the flow rate in get/min. Round the answer to the nearest whole number. get 10gtt 1000mL 1hour 10000 = x x = =27.7=28gtt/min min mL 6hour 60mins 360 2. The order reads: administer 2000 mL KCL over 12 hours. The drop factor is 10 get/ml. What are the get/min? Round the answer to the nearest whole number.