Nursing Question
Activity Instructions
Information in this module will reflect content presented in Henke’s Med- Math Chapter 8.
There are 4 steps to follow to complete these calculations
1. Find the weight for the patient in kilograms – note that when the weight has ounces, you must convert this to pounds before converting to kilograms
2. Use this finding to calculate the safe dose for the medication (found in a reference such as a drug book or app) – note that sometimes this dose is written as the amount given at each dose and sometimes it is written as the amount given in a 24-hour period
3. Compare the safe dose with the ordered dose to determine if it is safe to administer the amount ordered – note that calculations may need to be done to determine the comparison is equal (both are per dose or per 24-hour amount)
4. If the amount is safe, calculate the amount to be given for the dose ordered – note that you administer the amount ordered, not the amount calculated as safe
Review the following video about Weight Based Medication Calculations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViGS2d8kl8k
In the Student Resources for the “Animations” and view the following videos:
Chapter 8:
– Calculations in Action: Math 59: Milligrams per Kilogram Formula
– Calculations in Action: Math 60: Milligrams per Kilogram in Ratio and Proportions
– Calculations in Action: Math 61: Milligrams per Kilogram in Dimensional Analysis
– Calculations in Action: Math 66: IVPB Formula
– Calculations in Action: Math 67: IVPB in Ratio and Proporitons
– Calculations in Action: MAth 68: IVPB in Dimensional Analysis
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Below is an image to help remember medication math calculations
