If urine output is below 30 mL/hour and the current IV rate is 800 mL/hour, what is the new rate?

• A. 1000 mL/hour
• B. 900 mL/hour
• C. 850 mL/hour
• D. 750 mL/hour

Answer: (A)

When urine output is persistently below a target level, the fluid rate is increased to boost circulating volume and kidney perfusion. A common practice is to raise the IV rate by about a quarter of the current rate. In this case, increasing 800 mL/hour by 25% adds 200 mL/hour, yielding a new rate of 1000 mL/hour. After making this adjustment, keep monitoring urine output and hemodynamics, and adjust again if the urine output remains low or if signs of fluid overload appear.