Medication Administration
Medication Calculations
You have probably had a lot of experience by now with dosage calculations in your Pharmacology lab. Here is a reminder of the basic steps for medication calculations.
Manual mathematic calculation method
1. Convert the concentration of the solution to the same units of measure as the dose.
2. Calculate the concentration of the medication per mL of fluid.
3. Enter the concentration and the dose into the formula and solve for the flow rate.
Electronic device calculation method
1. Enter necessary information into the device, including, but not limited to, patient weight, drug name, concentration of solution, and the dose ordered. Note that some medications are based on the patient's weight and others are not.
a. Program the device to calculate the flow rate electronically.
2. Double-check flow rate calculations or programming with another qualified individual.
3. Set flow rate on the infusion pump.
4. Connect the infusion system to the intended IV line or catheter. Initiate the infusion.
5. Discard used supplied, remove gloves, and perform hand hygiene.
6. Document the procedure in the patient's medical record.
References
Wiegand, D. L. (2010). AACN procedure manual for critical care. (6th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
Photo from: http://www.mlsreversemortgage.com/images/calculator.jpg
Manual mathematic calculation method
1. Convert the concentration of the solution to the same units of measure as the dose.
2. Calculate the concentration of the medication per mL of fluid.
3. Enter the concentration and the dose into the formula and solve for the flow rate.
Electronic device calculation method
1. Enter necessary information into the device, including, but not limited to, patient weight, drug name, concentration of solution, and the dose ordered. Note that some medications are based on the patient's weight and others are not.
a. Program the device to calculate the flow rate electronically.
2. Double-check flow rate calculations or programming with another qualified individual.
3. Set flow rate on the infusion pump.
4. Connect the infusion system to the intended IV line or catheter. Initiate the infusion.
5. Discard used supplied, remove gloves, and perform hand hygiene.
6. Document the procedure in the patient's medical record.
References
Wiegand, D. L. (2010). AACN procedure manual for critical care. (6th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
Photo from: http://www.mlsreversemortgage.com/images/calculator.jpg
