Weight to calculate fluid requirement should be the most recent from the current admission
For maintenance fluid in children, calculate correct daily maintenance volume and divide by
24 to get rate in ml/hr or refer to KPA handbook
For other fluid bolus or regimes in children, refer to KPA handbook or seek senior medical
advice.
Children and neonates remaining on IV fluids for > 24 hours must have UEs checked (risk of
electrolyte derangement esp. hyponatraemia)
A second trained staff nurse/CO/doctor must double check fluid type and correct drip rate
Ensure drip rate is calculated in relation to the giving set being used (i.e. 60 drops per ml
paediatric giving set and 20 drops per ml using an adult giving set)
Both staff must complete all sections of administration chart IMMEDIATELY after setting up
the infusion (except total volume given/pharmacy notes)
Parents/patients should be advised to inform staff if drip rate runs faster than initially set
68ml x 60
60 minutes
Drip rate = 68 drops per minute
(44ml x 20)
60 minutes
Drip rate is 15 drops per minute
8kg infant
13kg child
23kg child
ANSWERS
Drip rate
Drip rate
Drip rate