A drug is given by IV push at 0.5 mL/min. You need to deliver 2 mL. How long will it take?

A drug is given by IV push at 0.5 mL/min. You need to deliver 2 mL. How long will it take?

• A. 2 minutes
• B. 4 minutes
• C. 1 minute
• D. 8 minutes

Answer: (B)

When delivering IV medication at a constant rate, the time needed equals the volume to be delivered divided by the infusion rate. Here, you need 2 mL at a rate of 0.5 mL per minute. So, 2 mL ÷ 0.5 mL/min = 4 minutes. The units cancel correctly to give minutes, confirming it will take four minutes to push 2 mL at that rate. If you want a mental check, pushing 0.5 mL each minute means it takes 4 minutes to reach 2 mL.

When delivering IV medication at a constant rate, the time needed equals the volume to be delivered divided by the infusion rate. Here, you need 2 mL at a rate of 0.5 mL per minute. So, 2 mL ÷ 0.5 mL/min = 4 minutes. The units cancel correctly to give minutes, confirming it will take four minutes to push 2 mL at that rate. If you want a mental check, pushing 0.5 mL each minute means it takes 4 minutes to reach 2 mL.