![]() Let’s begin by discussing equivalencies.Įquivalency is a mathematical term that refers to two values or quantities that are the same amount. Each of these types of calculations will be described in the following sections. Dosages may be calculated and converted into micrograms (mcg), milligrams (mg), milliequivalents (mEq), and grams (gm) volumes may be calculated in cubic centimeters (cc), milliliters (mL), and liters (L) and rates may be calculated in drops per minute (gtt/min), milliliters per hour (mL/hr), or units per hour (units/hr). The metric system is typically used when documenting and performing calculations in the clinical setting. The nurse performs a variety of calculations in the clinical setting including intake and output conversions, weight conversions, dosages, volumes, and rates. Large syringes, such as 60-mL syringes, are calibrated in whole numbers. Syringes that hold larger volumes, such as 5-, 10-, and 12-mL syringes are usually calibrated in fifths (two tenths). For example, a 1-mL syringe is calibrated in hundredths and a 3-mL syringe is calibrated in tenths. Syringes are calibrated based on the volume they hold. See Figure 5.3 for an image comparing various sizes of syringes. Common syringe sizes range from 1 mL to 60 mL. Many slip tip syringes are found in foley catheter insertion kits. Slip tip syringes can be easily attached and removed from different injection devices. Slip tip syringes do not have a locking mechanism or screw-on connection. Luer lock syringes have a threaded syringe tip that allow the syringes to be screwed into an injection port. Both luer lock and slip tip syringes are commonly available for parenteral use. Syringes used for injections are available in many sizes and are selected by the nurse based on the type of injection and the type of medication administered. Oral medication syringes are commonly orange in color and have a tip that will not allow the oral syringe to be connected to an intravenous injection port. There are also syringes specifically developed for oral medication administration. ![]() Syringes are used when administering medications through the parenteral route (i.e., intradermally, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously). This chapter will explain how to perform these tasks related to dosage calculations using authentic problems that a nurse commonly encounters in practice. ![]() Finally, the nurse selects an appropriate measurement device to accurately measure the calculated dose or set the rate of administration. Nurses must perform several tasks during drug calculations, such as reading drug labels for pertinent information, determining what information is needed to set up the math calculation, performing the math calculations, and then critically evaluating the answer to determine if it is within a safe dosage range for that specific patient. ĭosage calculation in clinical practice is more than just solving a math problem. To safely prepare and administer medications, the nurse performs a variety of mathematical calculations, such as determining the number of tablets, calculating the amount of solution, and setting the rate of an intravenous infusion. Nurses are the last step in the medication administration process before the medication reaches the patient, so they bear the final responsibility to ensure the medication is safe. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has estimated that the average hospitalized patient experiences at least one medication error each day. Accurately solve calculations related to conversions, dosages, liquid concentrations, reconstituted medications, weight-based medications, and intravenous infusions and evaluate final answer to ensure safe medication administration ![]()
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