Applied Pharmacology 7, Drug dose calculations

The paragraph discusses the process of calculating drug dosages, using aspirin as an example. It explains how to determine the number of tablets or capsules required to reach a specific dosage, emphasizing the importance of accuracy in medication calculations. The nurse outlines the method for calculating aspirin dosages in milligrams, adjusting from a standard 300-milligram tablet to other quantities such as 600 milligrams for two tablets. The paragraph also touches on other medications like flucloxacillin and pethidine, illustrating how to calculate the required number of capsules or volume of liquid based on the prescribed dosage and the available forms of the medication.

This paragraph delves deeper into the mathematical aspect of drug calculations, focusing on understanding drug concentrations and using them to determine the correct dosage. The nurse explains how to calculate the volume of a drug like pethidine, given in milligrams per mil. The explanation includes using basic division and multiplication to find the equivalent volume for a prescribed dosage. The paragraph also introduces the concept of using an equation to cross-check calculations, ensuring accuracy and confidence in the dosage being administered. The use of the equation is demonstrated with a practical example, showing that both the old-fashioned method and the equation yield the same result, reinforcing the importance of precision in medication administration.

The paragraph continues the discussion on drug calculations, applying the principles to various medications such as morphine and pethidine. The nurse explains how to calculate the required volume of a drug based on its concentration and the prescribed dosage. The process involves understanding the relationship between the desired dosage, the available concentration, and the volume of the medication. The paragraph also reiterates the importance of using a calculator to confirm calculations, especially when dealing with potent drugs like morphine. The nurse provides a step-by-step breakdown of how to calculate the dosage for different scenarios, emphasizing the need for accuracy to ensure patient safety.

In this paragraph, the focus shifts to the practical application of drug calculations in a clinical setting. The nurse discusses how to prepare and administer medications like vancomycin and gentamicin based on the patient's weight and the prescribed dosage. The explanation includes calculating the required volume of medication, taking into account the concentration provided by the manufacturer. The paragraph also highlights the importance of precision in medication administration, particularly with drugs like gentamicin, which can have serious side effects if not administered correctly. The nurse provides a detailed walkthrough of the calculation process, ensuring that the correct dosage is given to meet the patient's needs.

The paragraph discusses the unique aspects of calculating insulin dosages, given that insulin is measured in international units rather than milligrams. The nurse explains the standardization of insulin strength, with 100 international units per milliliter being the norm. The explanation covers how to convert international units to milliliters and the importance of using specialized insulin syringes for precise administration. The paragraph also touches on the potency of insulin and the small volumes typically administered, emphasizing the need for accurate measurement and the potential for variation in sensitivity among patients. The nurse provides practical examples of how to set insulin dosages using a syringe and the importance of precision in diabetes management.

This paragraph explores the concept of administering medications over a specific time period, using the administration of Hartman's solution and normal saline as examples. The nurse explains how to calculate the rate of administration in milliliters per minute to ensure that a certain volume is given over a set period, such as one liter over six hours. The explanation includes converting hours to minutes and determining the number of drops per minute based on the giving set's drop factor. The paragraph also discusses the practical aspects of using volumetric pumps and the importance of accurate timing in medication delivery, ensuring that the prescribed dosage is given correctly and safely.

The paragraph focuses on calculating dosages for pediatric patients, specifically using paracetamol as an example. The nurse explains the pharmacologist's recommendation of 15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, and how to calculate the appropriate dosage for a child based on their weight. The explanation includes determining the maximum daily dose and the number of times the medication should be given. The paragraph also touches on the difference in dosage calculation for adults compared to children, and the importance of adjusting dosages based on ideal body weight rather than actual weight in some cases. The nurse provides a detailed example of calculating a single dose for an 18-kilogram child and how to adjust the volume of a cal-poly elixir to achieve the desired dosage.