Comparison of Fluid Flow Rates by Fluid Height and Catheter Size in Normal and Hypertensive Blood-Pressure Scenarios

This study is performed to determine the effects of fluid height, inner catheter diameter, and peripheral venous pressure on room-temperature intravenous fluid administration.

We employed the Bernoulli equation, with frictional forces considered for volumetric analysis.

The results of this study demonstrate that infusion-set height, catheter size, fluid type, and blood pressure significantly affect flow rates. Under normotensive conditions, flow rates ranged from 58.2 to 10,743.18 cc/h, with the highest rates observed at a 1 m infusion-set height and larger catheters. Additionally, 6% hetastarch exhibited the lowest flow rates, while 0.9% normal saline showed the highest. Under hypertensive conditions, slightly higher infusion-set elevations were required for measurable flow rates, but they remained lower than those under normotensive conditions.

This study investigates the mechanics of peripheral venous fluid therapy and provides foundational data for future nursing research on fluid management.