Needed for Dosage
for Dosage TOPICS COVERED 1. Multiplication and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals 2. Addition and subtraction of fractions 3. Reading decimals 4. Changing decimals to fractions 5. Addition,…
for Injection
Syringes and Rounding These are general acceptable guidelines. Always follow any institution-specific guidelines. 3-mL Syringe When you’re calculating injection answers, the degree of accuracy depends on the syringe you use….
of Oral Medications—Solids and Liquids
Oral Solids Let’s use a real example to illustrate the four different methods of calculation: EXAMPLE Order: Coreg (carvedilol) 6.25 mg po bid Read the label. (Courtesy of GlaxoSmithKline.)…
Types of IV Calculations
Calculations TOPICS COVERED 1. Amount of drug in a solution 2. Calculation of rate for special IV orders: units/hour; g/hour; mg/hour, mL/hour, mg/minute, milliunits/minute, mcg/minute, mcg/kg/minute 3. Use of the…
of Basic IV Drip Rates
Basic IV Drip Rates TOPICS COVERED 1. IV fluids 2. IV drip factors 3. Choosing infusion set tubing 4. Infusion pumps 5. Labeling IVs 6. Calculating basic IV drip rates:…
Problems for Infants and Children
FIGURE 8-1A. Administration of liquid medication to infants and toddlers requires gently holding the child and administering with a syringe or dropper. B. Administration of liquid medication to school-age children…
Abbreviations, Labels, and Packaging
Interpreting the Language of Prescriptions When you’re calculating drug dosages, it’s important to understand medical abbreviations. Misunderstanding them can lead to medication errors. If you’re unsure about what a medical…
Procedures
Three Checks and Six Rights The nurse observes the three checks and six rights of medication administration. Three Checks When Preparing Medications Read the label: 1. Check the drug label…
Apothecary, and Household Systems of Measurement
Metric System Measures of Weight These are the solid measures in the metric system and their abbreviations: Gram: g Milligram: mg Microgram: mcg (μg, which uses the Greek letter mu…
Basic to Administering Drugs
Drug Knowledge Nursing drug handbooks are the best references for the nurse who needs a variety of information specifically designed to help assess, manage, evaluate, and teach the patient/client. The…
