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Medication Administration and Dosage Calculations
Study Questions
Medication Administration Process
A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client. What is the first step in the medication administration process?
Explanation
Answer: b. Check the medication order.
The first step in the medication administration process is to check the medication order to ensure that it is complete, accurate, and appropriate for the client. The nurse should verify that the order includes the client’s name, the name and dose of the medication, the route and time of administration, and any other relevant information.
a. Verifying the client’s identity is an important step in the medication administration process, but it is not the first step.
c. Preparing the medication is an important step in the medication administration process, but it is not the first step.
d. Administering the medication is an important step in the medication administration process, but it is not the first step.
A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client. What should the nurse do if there is a discrepancy between the medication order and the label?
Explanation
If there is a discrepancy between the medication order and the medication label, the nurse should hold the medication and clarify the order with the provider to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for the client. The nurse should not administer a medication if there is any uncertainty about its safety or appropriateness.
a. Administering a medication without clarifying a discrepancy between its order and label could result in harm to the client.
b. Administering a medication without clarifying a discrepancy between its order and label could result in harm to the client.
d. Notifying the charge nurse may be appropriate after clarifying with provider.
.A nurse has prepared a dose of oral liquid suspension for a pediatric patient.What should be done before administering this dose?
Explanation
Before administering any dose of medicine, the nurse should verify the patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth. The nurse should also check the patient’s vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature. Finally, the nurse should check the patient’s allergies to ensure that they are not allergic to any component of the medicine being administered.
a.Verifying the patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth is important before administering any dose of medicine.
b.Checking the patient’s vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature is important before administering any dose of medicine.
c.Checking patients’ allergies to ensure that they are not allergic to any component of medicine being administered is important before administering any dose of medicine.
A nurse has prepared an IV infusion for a patient. What should be done before starting this infusion?
Explanation
Before starting an IV infusion, the nurse should verify the patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth. The nurse should also check the IV site for any signs of infection, inflammation, or phlebitis. Finally, the nurse should check IV tubing for any kinks or obstructions that may impede flow.
a. Verifying the patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth is important before starting an IV infusion.
b. Checking the IV site for any signs of infection, inflammation or phlebitis is important before starting an IV infusion.
c. Checking IV tubing for any kinks or obstructions that may impede flow is important before starting an IV infusion.
A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client. What should be done if the client refuses to take the medication?
Explanation
If a client refuses to take a medication, the nurse should document the refusal and notify the provider. The nurse should not force the client to take the medication or administer it against their wishes.
a. Forcing a client to take medication against their wishes is not appropriate.
c. Administering a medication against a client’s wishes is not appropriate.
d. Documenting the refusal and notifying the provider is the appropriate action.
A nurse has administered a dose of pain medication to a patient. What should be done after administering this dose?
Explanation
After administering a dose of pain medication, the nurse should check the patient’s vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature. The nurse should also assess the patient’s pain level using an appropriate pain scale. Finally, the nurse should document the administration of pain medication including time, dose, route, and any adverse effects.
a . Checking the patient’s vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature is important after administering a dose of pain medication.
b.Assessing a patient’s pain level using an appropriate pain scale is important after administering a dose of pain medication.
c.Documenting the administration of pain medication including time, dose, route, and any adverse effects is important after administering a dose of pain medication.
A nurse has prepared an oral tablet for a patient who has difficulty swallowing. What should be done before administering this tablet?
Explanation
Before administering an oral tablet to a patient who has difficulty swallowing, the nurse should consult with the provider. Some tablets are designed to be swallowed whole and should not be crushed or cut as this may alter their pharmacokinetics. In such cases, alternative formulations such as liquid or chewable tablets may be available.
a.Crushing tablets and mixing them with applesauce may alter the pharmacokinetics and should only be done if approved by the provider.
b.Cutting the tablet in half may alter the pharmacokinetics and should only be done if approved by the provider.
c.Administering the tablet with a large glass of water may help the patient swallow but does not address the underlying difficulty.
A nurse has prepared an injection for a pediatric patient. What should be done before administering this injection?
Explanation
Before administering an injection to a pediatric patient, the nurse should verify the patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth. The nurse should also check the injection site for any signs of infection, inflammation, or injury. Finally, the nurse should check the patient’s allergies to ensure that they are not allergic to any component of the injection being administered.
a.Verifying the patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth is important before administering an injection to the pediatric patient.
b.Checking the injection site for any signs of infection, inflammation, or injury is important before administering an injection to the pediatric patient.
c.Checking patients’ allergies to ensure that they are not allergic to any component of the injection being administered is important before administering an injection to the pediatric patient.
A nurse has prepared an oral liquid suspension for an elderly patient. What should be done before administering this suspension?
Explanation
Before administering an oral liquid suspension to an elderly patient, the nurse should verify the patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth. The nurse should also check the ability to swallow by asking about difficulty swallowing or observing during mealtime. Finally, the nurse should check the patient’s allergies to ensure that they are not allergic to any component of the suspension being administered.
a.Verifying a patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth is important before administering oral liquid suspension to an elderly patient.
b.Checking the ability to swallow by asking about difficulty swallowing or observing during mealtime is important before administering oral liquid suspension to elderly patients.
c.Checking patients’ allergies to ensure that they are not allergic to any component of suspension being administered is important before administering oral liquid suspension to elderly patients.
Dosage Calculations
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication with a recommended dose of 5 mg/kg. The client weighs 70 kg. How many mg of the medication should the nurse administer?
Explanation
To calculate the dose of a medication based on the client’s weight, the nurse should multiply the recommended dose by the client’s weight in kg. In this case, the recommended dose is 5 mg/kg and the client weighs 70 kg, so the nurse should administer 5 mg/kg x 70 kg = 350 mg of the medication.
A nurse is preparing to administer a liquid medication with a concentration of 250 mg/5 mL. The prescribed dose is 500 mg. How many mL of the medication should the nurse administer?
Explanation
To calculate the volume of a liquid medication to administer based on its concentration and the prescribed dose, the nurse should divide the prescribed dose by the concentration and multiply by the volume in which the concentration is expressed. In this case, the concentration is 250 mg/5 mL and the prescribed dose is 500 mg, so the nurse should administer (500 mg / 250 mg) x 5 mL = 10 mL of the medication.
A nurse is preparing to administer medication with a recommended dose of 10mg/kg. The client weighs 50kg. How many mg of medication should be administered?
Explanation
To calculate the dose of a medication based on client’s weight,the nurse should multiply recommended dose by client’s weight in kg.In this case,the recommended dose is 10mg/kg and client weighs50kg so,the nurse should administer10mg/kg x50kg=500mg of medication.
A nurse is preparing to administer a liquid medication with a concentration of100mg/2mL.The prescribed dose is200mg.How many mL of medication should be administered?
Explanation
To calculate volume of liquid medication to administer based on its concentration and prescribed dose,the nurse should divide prescribed dose by concentration and multiply by volume in which concentration is expressed.In this case,the concentration is100mg/2mL and prescribed dose is200mg so,the nurse should administer(200mg/100mg)x2mL=4mL of medication.
A nurse needs to administer an IV infusion at a rate of 125mL/hr. How many drops per minute should be delivered if the drop factor of the tubing set is 15gtt/mL?
Explanation
To calculate drops per minute, the nurse should multiply the infusion rate in mL/hr by the drop factor in gtt/mL and divide by 60min/hr. In this case, the infusion rate is 125mL/hr and the drop factor is15gtt/mL so, the nurse should deliver(125mL/hrx15gtt/mL)/60min/hr=31gtt/min.
A client has been prescribed an oral suspension with a concentration of 250 mg/5mL. The prescribed dose for the client’s weight and condition is 750 mg. How many teaspoons (tsp)of suspension should be administered?
Explanation
To calculate the volume of liquid medication to administer based on its concentration and prescribed dose, the nurse should divide the prescribed dose by concentration and multiply by the volume in which concentration is expressed. In this case, the concentration is 250 mg/5mL and the prescribed dose is 750 mg so, the nurse should administer(750mg/250mg)x5mL=15mL of medication. Since 1 tsp is equivalent to 5mL, the nurse should administer 15mL/5mL/tsp=3tsp of medication.
A nurse needs to administer an IV infusion at a rate of1000mL over8hours. How many mL/hr should be delivered?
Explanation
To calculate the infusion rate in mL/hr, the nurse should divide the total volume in mL by the total infusion time in hours. In this case, the total volume is 1000mL and total infusion time is hours so, the nurse should deliver 1000mL/8hr=125mL/hr.
A client has been prescribed a medication with a recommended dose of 2mg/kg. The client weighs 60 kg. How many mg of medication should be administered?
Explanation
To calculate the dose of a medication based on the client’s weight, the nurse should multiply recommended dose by the client’s weight in kg. In this case, the recommended dose is 2mg/kg and the client weighs 60 kg so, the nurse should administer 2mg/kg x60kg=120mg of medication.
A nurse needs to administer an IV infusion at a rate of 2000mL over 12 hours. How many mL/hr should be delivered?
Explanation
To calculate the infusion rate in mL/hr, the nurse should divide the total volume in mL by the total infusion time in hours. In this case, the total volume is2000mL and the total infusion time is 12 hours so, the nurse should deliver 2,000mL/12hr=166mL/hr.
A nurse needs to administer an IV push medication over 3 minutes. The total volume to be administered is 6mL. How many mL/min should be delivered?
Explanation
To calculate the infusion rate in mL/min, the nurse should divide the total volume in mL by the total infusion time in minutes. In this case, the total volume is 6ml and the total infusion time is 3 minutes so, the nurse should deliver 6ml/3min=2ml/min.
Safety Considerations in Medication Administration
A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client. What is the first step in ensuring the safe administration of the medication?
Explanation
The first step in ensuring the safe administration of a medication is to check the medication order to ensure that it is complete, accurate, and appropriate for the client. The nurse should verify that the order includes the client’s name, the name and dose of the medication, the route and time of administration, and any other relevant information.
a. Verifying the client’s identity is an important step in ensuring the safe administration of medication, but it is not the first step.
c. Preparing the medication is an important step in ensuring its safe administration, but it is not the first step.
d. Administering the medication is an important step in ensuring its safe administration, but it is not the first step.
A nurse is preparing to administer a high-alert medication to a client. What additional safety measures should be taken?
Explanation
High-alert medications are those that have a high risk of causing significant harm if used in error. When administering a high-alert medication, additional safety measures should be taken to ensure its safe use. One such measure is to double-check the medication order with another nurse to verify its accuracy and appropriateness.
b. Administering a high-alert medication as quickly as possible may increase the risk of error and harm to the client.
c. Checking for allergies is an important safety measure when administering any medication, including high-alert medications.
d. Verifying the client’s identity is an important safety measure when administering any medication, including high-alert medications.
A nurse has prepared an injection for a patient. What should be done before administering this injection?
Explanation
Before administering an injection, the nurse should verify the patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth. The nurse should also check the injection site for any signs of infection, inflammation or injury. Finally, the nurse should check the patient’s allergies to ensure that they are not allergic to any component of the injection being administered.
a.Verifying a patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth is important before administering an injection.
b.Checking the injection site for any signs of infection, inflammation or injury is important before administering an injection.
c.Checking patients’ allergies to ensure that they are not allergic to any component of the injection being administered is important before administering an injection.
A nurse has prepared an oral tablet for a patient who has difficulty swallowing. What should be done before administering this tablet?
Explanation
Before administering an oral tablet to a patient who has difficulty swallowing, the nurse should consult with the provider. Some tablets are designed to be swallowed whole and should not be crushed or cut as this may alter their pharmacokinetics. In such cases, alternative formulations such as liquid or chewable tablets may be available.
a. Crushing tablets and mixing them with applesauce may alter the pharmacokinetics and should only be done if approved by the provider.
b. Cutting the tablet in half may alter the pharmacokinetics and should only be done if approved by the provider.
c. Administering the tablet with a large glass of water may help the patient swallow but does not address the underlying difficulty.
A nurse has prepared an IV infusion for a patient. What should be done before starting this infusion?
Explanation
Before starting an IV infusion, the nurse should verify the patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth. The nurse should also check the IV site for any signs of infection, inflammation or phlebitis. Finally, the nurse should check IV tubing for any kinks or obstructions that may impede flow.
a.Verifying the patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth is important before starting an IV infusion.
b.Checking the IV site for any signs of infection, inflammation or phlebitis is important before starting an IV infusion.
c.Checking IV tubing for any kinks or obstructions that may impede flow is important before starting an IV infusion.
A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client. What should be done if the client refuses to take the medication?
Explanation
If a client refuses to take a medication, the nurse should document the refusal and notify the provider. The nurse should not force the client to take the medication or administer it against their wishes.
a.Forcing a client to take medication against their wishes is not appropriate.
c.Administering a medication against a client’s wishes is not appropriate.
d.Documenting the refusal and notifying the provider is the appropriate action.
A nurse has administered a dose of pain medication to a patient. What should be done after administering this dose?
Explanation
After administering a dose of pain medication,the nurse should check patient’s vital signs such as heart rate,respiratory rate,blood pressure,and temperature.The nurse should also assess patient’s pain level using an appropriate pain scale.Finally,the nurse should document administration of pain medication including time,dose,route,and any adverse effects.
a.Checking patient’s vital signs such as heart rate,respiratory rate,blood pressure,and temperature is important after administering a dose of pain medication.
b.Assessing patient’s pain level using an appropriate pain scale is important after administering a dose of pain medication.
c.Documenting administration of pain medication including time,dose,route,and any adverse effects is important after administering a dose of pain medication.
A nurse has prepared an injection for a pediatric patient. What should be done before administering this injection?
Explanation
Before administering an injection to a pediatric patient,the nurse should verify patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth.The nurse should also check injection site for any signs of infection,inflammation or injury.Finally,the nurse should check patient’s allergies to ensure that they are not allergic to any component of injection being administered.
a.Verifying patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth is important before administering an injection to pediatric patient.
b.Checking injection site for any signs of infection,inflammation or injury is important before administering an injection to pediatric patient.
c.Checking patient’s allergies to ensure that they are not allergic to any component of injection being administered is important before administering an injection to pediatric patient.
A nurse has prepared an oral liquid suspension for an elderly patient. What should be done before administering this suspension?
Explanation
Before administering an oral liquid suspension to an elderly patient,the nurse should verify patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth.The nurse should also check ability to swallow by asking about difficulty swallowing or observing during mealtime.Finally,the nurse should check patient’s allergies to ensure that they are not allergic to any component of suspension being administered.
a.Verifying patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth is important before administering oral liquid suspension to elderly patient.
b.Checking ability to swallow by asking about difficulty swallowing or observing during mealtime is important before administering oral liquid suspension to elderly patient.
c.Checking patient’s allergies to ensure that they are not allergic to any component of suspension being administered is important before administering oral liquid suspension to elderly patient.
A nurse has prepared an IV push medication for a critically ill patient. What additional safety measures should be taken?
Explanation
When administering IV push medication to critically ill patients,additional safety measures should be taken.One such measure is double-checking medication order with another nurse.The nurse should also administer medication slowly while monitoring vital signs during administration.
a.Double-checking medication order with another nurse can help prevent errors when administering IV push medications.
b.Administering IV push medications slowly can help prevent adverse reactions.
c.Monitoring vital signs during administration can help detect adverse reactions early.
More Questions
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication with a recommended dose of 5 mg/kg. The client weighs 70 kg. How many mg of the medication should the nurse administer?
Explanation
To calculate the dose of a medication based on the client’s weight, the nurse should multiply the recommended dose by the client’s weight in kg. In this case, the recommended dose is 5 mg/kg and the client weighs 70 kg, so the nurse should administer 5 mg/kg x 70 kg = 350 mg of the medication.
b. The correct dose is 350 mg, not 300 mg.
c. The correct dose is 350 mg, not 250 mg.
d. The correct dose is 350 mg, not 200 mg.
A nurse is preparing to administer a liquid medication with a concentration of 250 mg/5 mL. The prescribed dose is 500 mg. How many mL of the medication should the nurse administer?
Explanation
To calculate the volume of a liquid medication to administer based on its concentration and the prescribed dose, the nurse should divide the prescribed dose by the concentration and multiply by the volume in which the concentration is expressed. In this case, the concentration is 250 mg/5 mL and the prescribed dose is 500 mg, so the nurse should administer (500 mg / 250 mg) x 5 mL = 10 mL of the medication.
a. The correct volume is 10 mL, not 5 mL.
c. The correct volume is 10 mL, not 15 mL.
d. The correct volume is 10 mL, not 20 mL.
A nurse has prepared an injection for a patient.What should be done before administering this injection?
Explanation
Before administering an injection,the nurse should verify patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth.The nurse should also check injection site for any signs of infection,inflammation or injury.Finally,the nurse should check patient’s allergies to ensure that they are not allergic to any component of injection being administered.
a.Verifying patient’s identity using two identifiers such as name and date of birth is important before administering an injection.
b.Checking injection site for any signs of infection,inflammation or injury is important before administering an injection.
c.Checking patient’s allergies to ensure that they are not allergic to any component of injection being administered is important before administering an injection.
A nurse has prepared an oral tablet for a patient who has difficulty swallowing.What should be done before administering this tablet?
Explanation
Before administering an oral tablet to a patient who has difficulty swallowing,the nurse should consult with provider.Some tablets are designed to be swallowed whole and should not be crushed or cut as this may alter their pharmacokinetics.In such cases,alternative formulations such as liquid or chewable tablets may be available.
a.Crushing tablet and mixing with applesauce may alter pharmacokinetics and should only be done if approved by provider.
b.Cutting tablet in half may alter pharmacokinetics and should only be done if approved by provider.
c.Administering tablet with large glass of water may help patient swallow but does not address underlying difficulty.
A nurse needs to administer an IV infusion at a rate of125mL/hr.How many drops per minute should be delivered if drop factor of tubing set is15gtt/mL?
Explanation
To calculate drops per minute,the nurse should multiply infusion rate in mL/hr by drop factor in gtt/mL and divide by60min/hr.In this case,the infusion rate is125mL/hr and drop factor is15gtt/mL so,the nurse should deliver(125mL/hrx15gtt/mL)/60min/hr=31gtt/min.
A client has been prescribed an oral suspension with a concentration of250mg/5mL.The prescribed dose for client’s weight and condition is750mg.How many teaspoons (tsp)of suspension should be administered?
No explanation
A nurse needs to administer an IV infusion at a rate of1000mL over8hours. How many mL/hr should be delivered?
Explanation
To calculate infusion rate in mL/hr,the nurse should divide total volume in mL by total infusion time in hours.In this case,the total volume is1000mL and total infusion time is8hours so,the nurse should deliver1000mL/8hr=125mL/hr.
A client has been prescribed a medication with a recommended dose of2mg/kg.The client weighs 60kg.How many mg of medication should be administered?
Explanation
To calculate the dose of a medication based on client’s weight,the nurse should multiply recommended dose by client’s weight in kg.In this case,the recommended dose is2mg/kg and client weighs 60kg so,the nurse should administer2mg/kg x60kg=120mg of medication.
A nurse needs to administer an IV infusion at a rate of2000mL over12hours.How many mL/hr should be delivered?
Explanation
To calculate infusion rate in mL/hr,the nurse should divide total volume in mL by total infusion time in hours.In this case,the total volume is2000mL and total infusion time is12hours so,the nurse should deliver2000mL/12hr=166mL/hr.
A nurse needs to administer an IV push medication over3minutes.The total volume to be administered is6mL.How many mL/min should be delivered?
Explanation
To calculate infusion rate in mL/min,the nurse should divide total volume in mL by total infusion time in minutes.In this case,the total volume is6ml and total infusion time is3minutes so,the nurse should deliver6ml/3min=2ml/min.
Exams on Medication Administration and Dosage Calculations
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Objectives
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of dosage calculations, including units of measurement, conversion between units, and dosage forms and strengths.
- Calculate accurate dosages for oral medications, considering factors such as physician's orders, medication concentrations, and patient-specific variables.
- Calculate accurate dosages for parenteral medications, considering factors such as physician's orders, medication concentrations, and patient-specific variables.
- Apply dosage calculation skills in pediatric patients, considering weight-based dosing and age-appropriate medication administration.
- Utilize appropriate resources, such as conversion tables and formulas, to support accurate dosage calculations.
- Identify and explain the different routes of medication administration, including oral, topical, and parenteral routes, and understand the appropriate techniques for each route.
- Implement proper medication administration techniques, including safe handling and storage of medications, accurate identification of medications, and adherence to the "Five Rights" of medication administration.
- Recognize and manage potential medication errors and adverse drug reactions through vigilant monitoring, prompt intervention, and appropriate documentation.
Introduction
A. Importance of Medical Administration
- Medication administration is a crucial nursing responsibility to ensure patient safety and promote therapeutic outcomes.
- Accurate administration of medications helps in managing symptoms, preventing complications, and improving overall patient health
B. Role of Dosage Administration
- Dosage calculations enable nurses to determine the correct amount of medication to administer based on the patient's needs.
- Accurate dosage calculations help prevent medication errors and ensure optimal therapeutic effects.
Medication Administration Process
A. Preparing for Medical Administration
1. Verify the Five Rights
- Right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time.
- Verify patient identification, medication label, and medication order.
2. Check Medication Orders
- Review physician's orders, including dosage, frequency, and any special instructions.
- Ensure clarity, correctness, and appropriateness of the medication order.
3. Assess Patient Factors
- Consider the patient's age, weight, allergies, medical history, and current condition.
- Assess factors that may affect medication absorption, metabolism, and elimination.
B. Routes of Medical Administration
1. Oral
- Administration of medications by mouth.
- Includes tablets, capsules, liquids, and sublingual or buccal forms.
2. Topical
- Application of medications on the skin, mucous membranes, or other external body surfaces.
- Examples include creams, ointments, transdermal patches, and eye or ear drops.
3. Parenteral
- Administration of medications via injections.
- Subcategories:
a. Intramuscular
- Injection into the muscle tissue for systemic absorption.
- Common sites include the deltoid, ventrogluteal, and vastus lateralis muscles.
b. Subcutaneous
- Injection into the subcutaneous tissue.
- Common sites include the abdomen, outer aspect of the upper arm, and thigh.
c. Intravenous
- Administration directly into the bloodstream.
- Requires accurate calculation of medication infusion rates and close monitoring.
C. Administration Techniques
1. Safe Handling and Storage of Medications
- Adhere to proper medication storage guidelines, including temperature control, protection from light, and secure storage.
- Follow medication disposal protocols to prevent environmental contamination.
2. Correct Administration Techniques
- Use proper techniques for each route of administration, such as aspiration when administering injections, appropriate site preparation, and aseptic practices.
- Employ patient-centred approaches, including effective communication and pain management techniques.
3. Patient Education and Counseling
- Educate patients on medication administration, including dosage, timing, potential side effects, and necessary precautions.
- Provide written materials and clear instructions to promote medication adherence.
Dosage Calculations
A. Basic Principles of Dosage Calculations
1. Units of Measurement
- Understand different units of measurement, including metric, apothecary, and household systems.
- Conversion between units using conversion factors.
2. Conversion between Units
- Convert between different units of measurement to ensure accurate dosage calculations.
- Utilize conversion tables, formulas, and online resources for conversion.
3. Dosage Forms and Strengths
- Identify different dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, and liquids.
- Recognize medication strengths and concentrations to calculate the appropriate dosage.
B. Calculating Oral Medication Dosages Example Calculation:
- Physician's Order: Administer 500 mg of amoxicillin.
- Available Medication: Amoxicillin suspension, 250 mg/5 mL.
- Calculation: 500 mg / 250 mg x 5 mL = 10 mL
- Answer: Administer 10 mL of amoxicillin suspension.
C. Calculating Parenteral Medication Dosages Example Calculation:
- Physician's Order: Administer 50 mg of morphine sulfate intramuscularly.
- Available Medication: Morphine sulfate injection, 10 mg/mL.
- Calculation: 50 mg / 10 mg/mL = 5 mL
- Answer: Administer 5 mL of morphine sulfate injection intramuscularly.
D. Pediatric Dosage Calculations Example Calculation:
- Child's Weight: 30 kg - Prescribed Dose per kg: 15 mg/kg
- Medication Concentration: 5 mg/mL
- Calculation: 30 kg x 15 mg/kg = 450 mg
- Answer: Administer 450 mg of medication. - Conversion to mL (if needed): 450 mg / 5 mg/mL = 90 mL
E. Dosage Calculation Validation and Documentation
- Double-check all dosage calculations independently or with another qualified healthcare professional. - Document medication administration accurately, including the medication name, dose, route, time, and patient response.
- Record any adverse reactions or unexpected outcomes.
Safety Considerations in Medication Administration
A. Medication Error Prevention
- Implement strategies such as the use of barcode scanning, medication reconciliation, and independent double-checks to prevent medication errors.
- Adhere to the "Five Rights" of medication administration: right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time.
B. Five Rights of Medication Administration
- Ensure the right patient receives the right medication, at the right dose, via the right route, and at the right time.
- Perform thorough medication verification and cross-checking processes.
C. Proper Identification of Medications
- Verify medication labels, names, and patient allergies before administration.
- Follow the "three checks" and "six rights" approach to medication administration.
D. Adverse Drug Reaction Management
- Monitor patients for adverse drug reactions and promptly intervene if they occur.
- Understand common side effects, allergic reactions, and appropriate interventions.
E. Medication Administration in Special Populations
- Consider special considerations for pediatric, geriatric, pregnant, and breastfeeding patients.
- Adapt dosage calculations and administration techniques based on patient-specific needs.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
A. Understanding the Legal Framework for Medication Administration
- Familiarize yourself with local, state, and national regulations related to medication administration.
- Understand the scope of nursing practice and legal implications of medication errors.
B. Nurse's Responsibility in Medication Administration
- Nurses have a professional responsibility to administer medications safely and accurately.
- They must maintain confidentiality, obtain informed consent, and adhere to ethical principles.
C. Ethical Issues Related to Medication Administration
- Address ethical dilemmas related to medication administration, such as off-label use, refusal of treatment, and cultural considerations.
- Practice autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence when making medication-related decisions.
Conclusion
A. Recap of Medication Administration and Dosage Calculations
- Medication administration and dosage calculations are essential nursing skills for ensuring patient safety and optimal therapeutic outcomes.
- Accurate dosage calculations, proper medication administration techniques, and adherence to safety considerations are crucial in nursing practice.
B. Importance of Competence and Attention to Detail
- Developing competence in medication administration and dosage calculations requires practice, ongoing learning, and attention to detail.
- Nurses should continually update their knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective medication management.
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