A medication prescription calls for dextrose 5% in water (D5W) 1000 mL with 40 mEq of potassium chloride to be infused at 125 mL/hr. How many 1 L bags will be needed over a 24 hr period?

To determine the number of 1 L bags of dextrose 5% in water (D5W) required for a 24-hour period at an infusion rate of 125 mL/hr, it's essential to first calculate the total volume needed for one day.

The calculation for total volume over 24 hours is straightforward:

125 mL/hr multiplied by 24 hours equals 3000 mL of solution needed.

Since 1 L is equivalent to 1000 mL, this means that 3000 mL translates to 3 L.

Considering the prescribed volume of dextrose being infused, we find that 3 L corresponds to three 1 L bags.

Thus, it is necessary to have three separate 1 L bags to meet the daily fluid and potassium chloride requirements as per the prescription.