Two-Factor Medication Problems



Two-Factor Medication Problems









Medication Problems Involving Weight

When solving problems with dimensional analysis, you can use either the sequential method or the random method to calculate two-factor–given quantity medication problems. The given quantity (the physician’s order) contains two parts including a numerator (dosage of medication) and a denominator (the weight of the patient). This type of medication problem is called a two-factor medication problem because the given quantity now contains two parts (a numerator and a denominator) instead of just one part (a numerator).

Below is an example of the problem-solving method showing placement of basic terms used in dimensional analysis, applied to a two-factor medication problem involving weight.




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Medication Problems Involving Reconstitution

Some medications in vials are in a powder form and need reconstitution before administration. Reconstitution involves adding a specific amount of sterile solution (also called diluent) to the vial to change the powder to a liquid form. Information on how much diluent to add to the vial and what dosage of medication per milliliter will result after reconstitution (also called yield) can be obtained from a nursing drug reference, label, or package insert.












Medication Problems Involving Intravenous Pumps

IV medications are administered by drawing a specific amount of medication from a vial or ampule and inserting that medication into an existing IV line. All IV medications must be given with specific thought to exactly how much time it should take to administer the medication. Information regarding time may be obtained from a nursing drug reference, label, or package insert, or may be specifically ordered by the physician.

Although IV medications can be administered IV push, the time involved often requires the use of an IV pump. All IV pumps deliver milliliters per hour (mL/hr) but may vary in operational capacity or size.

Below is an example of the dimensional analysis problem-solving method with basic terms applied to a medication problem involving an IV pump.





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Jul 5, 2016 | Posted by in PHARMACY | Comments Off on Two-Factor Medication Problems

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