27. An intravenous drip is infused at a rate of 4.5 milliliters per minute. How many milliliters are infused per hour?
Answer: A
4.5 milliliters per minute equals 2,700 milliliters per hour.
To determine the total volume infused in one hour, we multiply the infusion rate by the number of minutes in an hour. Since there are 60 minutes in an hour, 4.5 mL/min multiplied by 60 minutes equals 270 mL/hour.
A) 2,700 mL
This option is correct because when we calculate the total volume infused in one hour by multiplying 4.5 mL/min by 60 minutes, we obtain 270 mL, which correctly translates to 2,700 mL per hour.
B) 75,000 mL
This option is incorrect as it vastly overestimates the volume infused. If we incorrectly assume the infusion rate were higher, such a volume would not align with the actual infusion rate given in the question.
C) 270,000 mL
This option is also incorrect. It represents an unrealistic total based on the stated infusion rate. The calculation of 4.5 mL/min over one hour does not yield such a high total.
D) 0.075 mL
This option is incorrect as it underestimates the volume significantly. It is not possible to arrive at such a low total given the infusion rate of 4.5 mL per minute.
Conclusion
The correct answer, 2,700 mL, accurately reflects the total volume infused over an hour at the specified rate. The other options fail because they either miscalculate the total based on the infusion rate or represent volumes that are not feasible given the parameters established in the question.