Which statement is true about IV drip systems?

• A. Macrodrip delivers larger drops (10-20 gtt/mL) and microdrip delivers smaller drops (60 gtt/mL), with macrodrip used for rapid infusions and microdrip for precise small-volume infusions.
• B. Macrodrip delivers 60 gtt/mL; microdrip delivers 10-20 gtt/mL
• C. Macrodrip is never used in clinical practice
• D. Microdrip is always preferred for all adult infusions

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how IV tubing drop factors affect control of infusion rate. Macrodrip tubing gives larger drops, typically around 10–20 gtt per mL, which means more fluid leaves with each drop and the rate can be adjusted quickly for large-volume, rapid infusions. Microdrip tubing delivers smaller drops, about 60 gtt per mL, allowing finer control of the flow and more precise administration of small volumes. Because of that, microdrip is preferred when accuracy and gentle dosing are important, while macrodrip is convenient for delivering large amounts of fluid quickly.

So the statement that macrodrip delivers larger drops (10–20 gtt/mL) and microdrip delivers smaller drops (60 gtt/mL), with macrodrip for rapid infusions and microdrip for precise small-volume infusions, best captures how these systems are used in practice. The other ideas—like macrodrip never being used, or microdrip always being preferred for all adult infusions—don’t fit clinical practice, since the choice depends on the need for speed versus precision.