The drip setting determines how quickly intravenous (IV) fluids are infused into a patient.
In healthcare, the term "drip setting" refers to the manually adjusted rate at which fluids are administered intravenously. This rate controls the speed of fluid delivery to the patient. The drip rate is calculated to ensure the correct amount of fluid is given over a specified period.
For example, according to the reference, if a 1-liter bag of normal saline needs to be administered over 8 hours, the required rate is calculated as follows:
- 1 liter = 1000 ml
- Required rate: 1000 ml / 8 hours = 125 ml/hour