The healthcare provider (HCP) prescribes 1 unit (350 mL) of packed red blood cells (PRBC) to infuse over 4 hours. The IV administration set delivers 15 gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should the nurse regulate the infusion?

Step 1: Total volume = 350 mL. Step 2: Time = 4 hours = 240 minutes. Step 3: Drop factor = 15 gtt/mL. Step 4: Calculate total drops. 350 × 15 = 5,250 gtt. Step 5: Divide by time in minutes. 5,250 ÷ 240 = 21.875 gtt/min. Step 6: Round to nearest whole number. ≈ 22 gtt/min.