Lesson overview
Drops per Minute (gtt/min)
Calculate a gravity drip rate in drops per minute when the fluid volume, time and drop factor are given.
About 18 minutesIV CalculationsNo account required
Learning outcomes
What you will learn
- Read gtt/min as drops per minute in medication-maths questions, while following approved local terminology for clinical documentation.
- Explain what a drop factor such as 20 gtt/mL means and identify macrodrip/microdrip as descriptive tubing terms rather than substitutes for the numeric label.
- Use the drop factor printed for the current IV tubing / administration set rather than guessing one.
- Use one current volume/time relationship and the tubing factor from the same current setup.
- Change hours to minutes when the answer is gtt/min.
- Calculate gtt/min from volume, time and drop factor.
- Convert a known mL/hr rate to its mathematical gtt/min equivalent when a drop factor is supplied, without treating that conversion as authorisation to change the delivery method.
- Round only the final drip-rate answer when the exercise asks for a whole drop.
- Treat the result as an initial gravity target and compare/reassess observed chamber flow according to the clinical context and local procedure.
Clinical connection
Why this matters
A gtt/min answer depends on one current volume/time relationship and the drop factor printed for the IV tubing / administration set actually in use. Gravity flow can drift after adjustment, so the calculated target must be compared with observed chamber flow and reassessed.
Lesson plan
How the lesson works
- 1
Learn
Short teaching slides explain one idea at a time with plain-language examples.
- 2
Practise
Answer calculation or scenario questions and receive immediate feedback.
- 3
Finish
Complete the lesson mastery check and save your progress on this browser.