Enter the required details into the calculator to determine the correct dosage for RN Adult Medical Surgical Online Practice Assessment 3.0.
Dosage Calculation Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the correct dosage from the ordered dosage and concentration.
Volume to Administer = Dosage Ordered / Concentration
Variables:
- Dosage Ordered is the prescribed amount of medication (mg)
- Concentration is the strength of the medication (mg/mL)
- Volume to Administer is the amount of medication to give (mL)
To calculate the volume to administer, divide the dosage ordered by the concentration.
What is Dosage Calculation?
Dosage calculation is the process of determining the correct amount of medication to administer to a patient. This process involves understanding the prescribed dosage, the concentration of the medication, and the patient’s weight (if applicable). Accurate dosage calculation is critical for patient safety and effective treatment.
How to Calculate the Correct Dosage?
The following steps outline how to calculate the correct dosage using the given formula.
- First, determine the prescribed dosage and the concentration of the medication.
- Next, determine the patient’s weight if calculating for weight-based dosage.
- Use the formula from above: Volume to Administer = Dosage Ordered / Concentration .
- For weight-based dosage, first calculate the total dosage by multiplying the patient’s weight by the dosage per kg.
- Calculate the volume to administer by plugging in the values.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Dosage Ordered = 500 mg
Concentration = 50 mg/mL
Patient Weight = 70 kg
Dosage per kg = 10 mg/kg
FAQ
1. What is the prescribed dosage?
The prescribed dosage is the amount of medication ordered by the healthcare provider for the patient.
2. How is the concentration related to the dosage calculation?
The concentration indicates the strength of the medication, which is used to determine the volume to administer.
3. How often should dosage calculations be performed?
Dosage calculations should be performed whenever there is a new medication order or a change in the patient’s condition that affects medication requirements.
4. Can this calculator be used for different medications?
Yes, the calculator can be adjusted for different medications by changing the dosage ordered and concentration fields.
5. Is the calculator accurate?
The calculator provides an estimate based on the inputs provided. For exact figures, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist.