How is the glucose infusion rate (GIR) calculated?

The glucose infusion rate (GIR) is a crucial calculation used to ensure that neonates, especially those in the neonatal intensive care unit, receive the appropriate amount of glucose for their metabolic needs. The correct method for calculating the GIR involves taking the volume of dextrose administered in mL/kg/day and converting that based on the concentration of glucose in the solution.

In this calculation, the formula involves multiplying the fluid volume (mL/kg/day) by the concentration of dextrose (%dextrose). The result is then divided by 1.44, which is a conversion factor that helps translate the amount of dextrose in the solution to the amount of glucose that is effectively available for utilization by the body. This factor arises because the weight of dextrose in grams must be adjusted to yield the amount of glucose.

Using this formula ensures that healthcare providers can accurately determine the glucose supply the neonate is receiving, thus supporting proper growth and metabolism, especially crucial in those unable to feed orally or in metabolic distress. The GIR is typically expressed in mg/kg/min, which is why the division by the conversion factor of 1.44 is necessary to achieve this unit of measure.

Other choices do not provide the correct approach to calculating the