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South Texas College ADN Program

Dosage and Calculation Module: OB / Pedi

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Dosage and Calculation

Module for OB & Pedi

TABLE OF CONTENTS: PAGE

I. Abbreviation 2

II. Systems of Measurement 3

III. IV Calculations

a. Flowrates 7

b. Hourly dosage 7-8

c. Hourly rate (Flowrates) 7-8

IV. OB Calculation Practice 9-11

V. Pediatric Calculation

a. Weight Based 14

b. Body Surface Area (BSA) 16

c. Pediatric IVP Medication 23

VI. Reference 26



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Module 1: Abbreviation Objective:

Use abbreviations for the times and routes of drug administration as well as metric, apothecary

and household abbreviations and abbreviations for drug preparation.

Abbreviations of times of medications:

ABBREVIATION MEANING

ac Before meals

pc After meals

Daily Every day

bid Twice a day

tid Three times a day

qid Four times a day

qh Every hour

at bedtime

stat

q2h

q3h

q4h

prn

At hour of sleep

immediately

every 2 hours

every 3 hours

every 4 hours

if needed

Abbreviations for route of medications:

ABBREVIATION MEANING

HHN Hand-held nebulizer

IM Intramuscularly

IV Intravenously

IVP Intravenous Push

IVF Intravenous Fluid

IVPB Intravenous Piggyback



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po (PO) By mouth

PR (pr) Per rectum

SL Sublingual

Subcut

Top

od

os

ou

Subcutaneous

Topical

Right eye

Left eye

Both eyes

OFFICIAL DO NOT USE LIST

Do Not Use Potential Problem Use Instead

U, u (unit)

Mistaken for “0” (zero), the

number “4” (four) or “cc”

Mistaken for IV (intravenous) or

the number 10 (ten) Mistaken for

each other

Write "unit"

IU (International Unit)

Period after the Q mistaken for

"I" and the "O" mistaken for "I

Decimal point is missed

Write "International Unit"

Q.D., QD, q.d., qd (daily)

Can mean morphine sulfate or

magnesium sulfate

Write "daily" Write "every

other day"

Q.O.D., QOD, q.o.d, qod

(every other day) Trailing

zero (X.0 mg)* Lack of

leading zero (.X mg)

Confused for one another Write X mg

Write 0.X mg

MS Write "morphine sulfate"

Write "magnesium sulfate"



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Module 2: Systems of Measurement

Units of Measures c = cup

cm = centimeters

ft = foot

g = grams

gr = grains

gt = drop

gtt = drops

in = inches

kg = kilograms

L = liters

lb = pound

m = meters

mcg = micrograms

mEq = milliequivalents

mg = milligrams

mL = milliliters

mm = millimeters

oz = ounce

pt = pint

qt = quart

Tbsp./T = tablespoons

tsp./t = teaspoons

Decimal Place Values Whole numbers & decimal fractions

Tenths = first decimal number

Hundredths = second decimal number

Thousandths = third decimal number

*No commas on thousands.

*Fractions = reduce to the smallest term.

*Mixed number = combination of

a whole number and a fraction.

Equivalents 1 g = 1000 mg

1 mg = 1000 mcg or 0.001g

1 mcg = 0.000001 g

1 gr = 60 mg

1 t = 5 mL

1 T = 3 tsp./t or 15 mL

1 oz. = 30 mL

1 c = 8 oz. or 240 mL

1 L = 1000 mL

1 pt = 500 mL or 16 fl oz

1 kg = 2.2 lbs.

1 kg = 1000 g

1 lb = 16 oz

1 in = 2.54 cm or 25.4 mm

1 unit = 1000 milliunits

*Write zero before a decimal point when the

dose is less than a whole number.

Example = 0.5 mL

*Do not use a decimal point or zero

after a whole number.

Example = 1.0 tab

*Conversions factor – refer to Booth 4e, Ch.6

*To convert: kg to lb = multiply (K L M)

lb to kg = divide

* Fahrenheit to Celsius:

° F – 32_ = ° C

1.8 (big # to small # = minus then divide) *Celsius to Fahrenheit:

(1.8 x ° C) + 32 = ° F

(small # to big # = multiply and add)

*Conventional Time to Military Time or

International Time/ 24 hr time;

Ex. 8:00 am = 0800

8:00 pm = 2000

12:00 am = 0000 or 2400

1:00 am = 0100

1 2 3 4 . 5 6 7 T

h

o

u

s

a

n

d

s

H

u

n

d

r

e

d

s

T

e

n

s

O

n

e

s

d

e c

i

m a

l

p

o

i n

t

T

e

n

t

h

s

H

u

n

d

r

e

d

t

h

s

T

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s

a

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t

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Important Points: 1. Always place a zero before the decimal point when the quantity is less than a whole

number.

Example: 0.5 is Correct

.5 is WRONG

Never place a “0” at the end / No trailing zero.

Example: 1.5 is Correct

1.50 is WRONG

2. Rounding Rules:

Rounding to whole number:

Example: 1.8 = 2

1.45 = 1

1.1 = 1

Rounding to first decimal number:

Example: 1.25 = 1.3

0.27 = 0.3

0.52 = 0.5

Rounding to second decimal number:

Example: 3.5429 = 3.54

0.666 = 0.67

1.258 = 1.26

Rounding to third decimal number:

Example: 3.5429 = 3.543

1.7812 = 1.781

0.6666 = 0.667

3. If medication is in mL, it is expressed in numbers.

Example: 1.5 mL is Correct

1 ½ mL is WRONG

OR

0.5 mL is CORRECT

½ mL is WRONG



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4. If medication are household measurements e.g. cups, Tsp, Tbsp, it is expressed in

fractions.

Example: 1 ½ tsp is Correct

1.5 tsp is WRONG

5. Tablets are expressed in fractions.

Example: 1 ½ tablets Correct

1.5 tablets WRONG

If tablet is NOT scored, the medication cannot be cut.

6. Capsules, EC, XL, LA, etc medications CANNOT be scored or crushed.

Parenteral doses for children are generally NOT rounded, but are left at the first

decimal number (tenths) or the second decimal number (hundredths).

7. DO NOT round ADULT weights.

8. Pediatric weights: follow rounding rule as explained in Pediatric section.



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Flowrates and Hourly Dosage / Hourly Rates

I. Infusion Rate or Flow Rate:

Round IV to nearest whole number.

Expressed in mL/hour if infusing via IV pump

Expressed in gtts/min if manually infusing

IV tubing place an important role in calculating

Macrodrip

Larger drops

Infusion Rate 80 mL/hr or more

Drop factors/Calibration factor of IV tubing:

o 10 gtts/mL

o 15 gtts/mL

o 20 gtts/mL

Microdrip

Smaller drips

Infusion rates less than 80mL/hr or KVO

Pediatric and Critical Care IV

Drop factor/Calibration factor of IV tubing:

o 60 gtts/mL

II. Dimensional Analysis:

a. Normal Saline 1 L to run over 10 hours. Drop factor: 15 gtts/mL. What is the

Flowrate?

a. gtts/min = ___________________

15 gtts x 1000 mL x 1 h___ = 25 gtts/min

mL 10 h 60 min

b. mL/h = ___________________________

1000 mL = 100 mL/h

10 h

b. Vancomycin 1 gram IVPB in 250 mL of NS to run over 90 minutes. Drop factor:

20 gtts/mL. What is the flowrate?

a. gtts/min = ___________________

20 gtts__ x __250 mL = 55.55 = 56 gtts/min

mL 90 min



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b. mL/h = _______________________

250 mL x 60 min = 166.66 = 167 mL/h

90 min 1 h

c. IV order: 1000 mL D5/W q8 hours. Set calibration is 15 gtts/mL.

1. gtts/min = _____31 gtts/min_______

1000mL x 1 hr___ x 15 gtts = 31.25 = 31 gtts/min

8 hrs 60 min mL

2. mL/h = ____125 mL/h________

1000 mL__ = 125 mL/h

8 h

Computing hourly rate of medication is the same as computing flow rates.

1. Heparin 25,000 units/250 mL D5W. Order: Heparin 1450 units/hour on pump. What is the flow rate

ml/h?

250 mL_____ x 1450 units = 14.5 = 15 mL/h

25000 units h

2. Order: Aminophylline 500 mg in 500 mL of D5W to infuse at 40 mL/hr.

What is the hourly dose? ____________ mg/hr

500 mg x 40 mL = 40 mg/h

500 mL h

3. IV order: 1000 mL D5/1/2NS with 40 mEq of KCl to run for 10 hours. Set calibration is 60 gtts/mL.

How many mEq of KCl/h will infuse? _________________ (mEq/h)

40 mEq_ = 4 mEq/h

10 h



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OB Calculation Practice OB calculation is the same as adult calculation. Apply the rule for rounding when necessary. Round up or down IV flow rates (mL/hr or gtt/min) to a whole number.

1. The physician ordered the Pitocin infusion to run at 6 mU/min. The pharmacy sent up 10 units of Pitocin in 1000mL of Lactated Ringers (LR). You would set your pump at _____________ mL/hour.

2. Magnesium sulfate 20 grams is mixed in 500 ml Lactated Ringers. Order: infuse a maintenance dose of magnesium sulfate @ 2 grams/hour. How many mL/hr will the IV run? ______________ mL/h

3. The nurse notes the patient’s IV pump is set at 12ml/hr. The IV bag holds 20 units of Pitocin mixed in 1000ml of Lactated Ringers. How many mU/min is the client receiving? _________________ mU/min

4. The order reads: begin the infusion of Pitocin at 8mU/min. On hand - 20 units of Pitocin mixed in 1000 ml of Lactated Ringers. How will you set the pump? _________ mL/h

5. The order reads: begin a Pitocin infusion @ 4mU/min. You have on hand Pitocin 20 units in 1000ml of Lactated Ringers. How should you set the pump? _____________ mL/h

http://www.proprofs.com/discuss/q/111932/physician-ordered-pitocin-infusion-6mumin-pharmacy-units-500





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6. You have on hand Magnesium Sulfate 20 grams in 500ml of Lactated Ringers. The order is to infuse a maintenance dose of Magnesium Sulfate @ 1 gram/hour. How many ml/hr will you run the IV? _______________ mL/hr

7. A client is admitted to the labor unit with BP 160/110 mm Hg. The health care provider orders an infusion of 6 grams of Magnesium Sulfate in 30 minutes as a loading dose via infusion pump. On hand: Magnesium Sulfate 40 grams in 1000 ml Lactated Ringers. What is flow rate for the loading dose of 6 grams/hour? _______________mL/hr.

8. A client is admitted to the labor unit with BP 170/110 mm Hg. The health care provider orders an infusion of 4 grams of Magnesium Sulfate in 30 minutes as a loading dose via infusion pump. On hand: Magnesium Sulfate 20 grams in 500 ml Lactated Ringers. What is flow rate for the loading dose of 4 grams/hour? _______________mL/hr.

9. The health care provider (HCP) orders Cytotec 50 micrograms (mcg) intra-vaginally initially for induction of labor, then repeat at intervals not to exceed every 3-6hr. Available: Cytotec 100-mcg tablet. Administer: ____________tablet(s)

10. The nurse notes the patient’s IV pump is set at 18 mL/hr. The IV bag holds 20 units of Pitocin mixed in 1000ml of Lactated Ringers. How many mU/min is the patient receiving at this time? ___________________ mU/min

11. Administer a dose of Vitamin K (Aquamephyton) 0.5mg. Available: Vitamin K 1mg/1ml.

How many mLs would you administer? ____________ mL (round to first decimal number)



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12. The HCP orders regular insulin IV, 10 units/ hour via infusion pump to a client who is in

labor. On hand: 100 units of regular insulin in 250mL Normal Saline. What is the infusion rate per hour? ______________ mL/hr

13. The client has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and the HCP orders Heparin 5000 units per hour. Available: Heparin 40,000U/1000mL of LR. How many mL per hour would you set your IV pump to infuse? _____________mL/hr

14. The HCP orders Morphine Sulfate 1 mg IV q 4 hours prn pain. Stock: 4 mg/mL vial. How

many mL will you give? ______________ mL (round to second decimal number)

15. The HCP orders Betamethasone 12 milligrams (mg) intramuscular times 2 doses 24 hours apart for preterm labor. Available: Betamethasone 30mg/5ml. Administer: ____________ mL(s). (round to first decimal number)



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Pediatric Calculation Pediatric drug dosages are usually less than adult dosages. Smaller dosages are

required for infants and children because of the immaturity of their body

systems to metabolize drugs and their smaller size, weight, and body surface

area. Exact and careful calculations are required for safe and therapeutic doses

for pediatric clients. Small dosages may be ordered; small discrepancies may

be dangerous.

Reminders:

1. Weight Conversions:

Pediatric weight must be converted to kilogram (ounces /

pounds).

Pediatric weights will be rounded to second decimal number.

Example:

1. Newborn (neonate) and some infant weights are measured in grams.

a) A neonate weighs 2300 g. Convert to kilograms

Kg = 2300 g/1 x 1 kg/1000 g = 2.3 kg

b) A newborn weighs 4630 g at birth. Convert to kilograms Kg = 4630 g/1 x 1 Kg/1000 g = 4.630 Kg = 4.63 kg (rounded to 2nd decimal

number)

2. Child weighs 16 lb 10 oz. Convert to Kg

a) 3 steps:

1. Convert ounce to pounds

lb = 10 oz/1 x 1 lb/ 16 oz = 0.625 lb

2. Add the total weight in pounds

16 lb + 0.625 lb = 16.625 lb

3. Convert to kg

Kg = 16.625 lb/1 x kg/2.2 lb = 7.556 kg = 7.56 kg (round to the 2nd

decimal number)



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2. The maximum volume of a parenteral injection in children is generally 1 mL. For

subcutaneous route, 0.5 mL is the maximum volume, and for intradermal route, 0.01 to

0.1 mL is the maximum volume of the injection.

3. Pediatric Injections are calculated to the second decimal number and are often

administered using a 1-mL precision syringe (tuberculin syringe).

4. The smallest possible amount of diluent is added to dilute IV medications for pediatric

patient.

5. To be safe in calculation, use calculator and double-or triple- check your answer!



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Steps and Rule—mg/kg Body Weight

1. Convert weight to kilograms. (Round to the second decimal number) 2. Determine the safe dose range in milligrams per kilogram. 3. Decide whether the ordered dose is safe by comparing the order with the safe dose

range listed in the reference. 4. Calculate the dose needed.

Example:

• Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Potassium (Augmentin) 150 mg po q 8h is ordered for a child weighing 33 lb. The accompanying information states that “Children ≤ 40 kg receive 6.7 to 13.3 mg/kg q8h.

1. Convert weight to kg: Kg = 33 lb x 1 kg/2.2 lb = 15 kg

2. Determine safe dose range: Low dose: 15 kg x 6.7 mg /kg = 100.5 mg

High dose: 15 kg x 13.3 mg/kg = 199.5 mg

3. Is the dose safe? YES. (150 mg q 8h is within the dose range)

4. Calculate the dose: mL = 150 mg/1 x 5 mL/125 mg = 6 mL



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• A child weighs 18 kg and has an order for phenytoin sodium 30 mg po every 8 hours. The recommended dosage is 5 mg/kg/day.

1. Convert weight to kg:

Kg = 18 Kg

2. Determine safe dose range: 18 Kg x 5 mg/kg/ day = 90 mg / day

90 mg / 3 doses/day = 30 mg/dose

3. Is the dose safe? YES. (30 mg q 8h is within the dose range)

4. Calculate the dose: mL = 30 mg/1 x 5 mL/125 mg = 1.2 mL



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Steps and Rule—m2

Medication Orders 1. Find the body surface area (BSA) in meters squared (m²).

If you know the height in cm and weight on Kilograms, calculate:

BSA = Example: Find the BSA for a child who is 85 cm tall and weighs 13.9 Kg.

BSA = √ 85 𝑥 13.9 m² = √ 1181.5 = 0.572 m² = 0.57 m² 3600 3600 Example: Find BSA for a baby who is 24 inches tall and weighs 12 lb 4 oz Convert ounces to pounds: lb = 4 oz/1 x 1 lb/16 oz = 0.25 lb + 12 lb = 12.25 lbs Convert pounds to kg: Kg = 12.25 lb/1 x 1 kg/ 2.2 lb = 5.568 kg Convert inches to cm: Cm = 24 inches/1 x 2.54 cm/ 1inch = 60.96 cm

BSA = √ 60.96 𝑥 5.568 m² = √ 339.42___ = 0.307 m² = 0.31 m² 3600 3600

Average BSA for neonates: 0.25 m2

Average BSA for 2 years old: 0.5 m2

Average BSA for children (9 years): 1.07 m2

Average BSA for children (10 years): 1.14 m2

Average BSA for children (12-13 years): 1.33 m2

2. Determine the safe dose using a reference. 3. Decide whether the ordered dose is safe. 4. Calculate the dose needed.



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Example: A 2-year-old child with a weight of 27 lb 12 oz and height of 35 inches is

prescribed Leucovorin Calcium 5.6 mg po q6h x 72 hours. Literature states dose for rescue after methotrexate therapy is 10

mg/m²/dose q6h x 72 hours. Supply: 1 mg/mL reconstituted by the pharmacy.

1. Find the body surface area (BSA) in meters squared.

Convert ounces to pounds:

lb = 12 oz/1 x 1 lb/16 oz = 0.75 lb + 27 lb = 27.75 lb Convert pounds to kg:

Kg = 27.75 lb/1 x 1 kg/2.2 lb = 12.614 kg Convert inches to cm:

Cm = 35 inches/1 x 2.54 cm/1 inch = 88.9 cm

BSA = √ 88.9 𝑥 12.614 m² = √ 1121.3846___ = 0.558 m² = 0.56 m²

3600 3600

2. Determine the safe dose using a reference. mg = 10 mg x 0.56 m² = 5.6 mg / dose

3. Decide whether the ordered dose is safe. Prescribed dose Leucovorin Calcium is 5.6 mg po q6h = YES it is safe.

4. Calculate the dose needed. mL= 5.6 mg/1 x 1 mL/1 mg = 5.6 mL / dose



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Example:

A child is ordered an infusion of cytarabine 200 mg/m2 in 0.9% NaCl to infuse over 24 hours. If the child weighs 22.7 kg and is 120 cm, how many mg of cytarabine would you add to the 9% NaCl? ____________ mg

1. Find the body surface area (BSA) in meters squared.

BSA = √ 120 𝑥 22.7 m² = √ 2724___ = 0.869 m² = 0.87 m²

3600 3600

2. Calculate the dose needed. mg= 200 mg x 0.87 m² = 174 mL



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Practice 1. Ceclor 45 mg/kg/day p.o. in 3 divided doses is ordered for a child who weighs 66

lbs. A 75 mL stock medication is labeled Ceclor 125mg/mL. How many mL would the nurse administer per dose? (Round to the first decimal number) __________

2. Ampicillin 250 mg IV every 6 hours is ordered for a child weighing 10.7 kilograms. The safe dose range of ampicillin is 25-50 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses. a. What is the safe daily dosage range for this child? ____________mg/day (Round

to the first decimal number)

b. What is the safe individual dosage range for this child? ____________mg/dose (Round to first decimal number)

c. Is the ordered dose safe? YES NO If No, Specify: TOO HIGH or TOO LOW

3. The HCP orders Cipro 300 mg q12 h po for a child weighing 66.6 lbs. You have Cipro

250 mg/5 mL. The recommended oral dosage is 20-30 mg/kg/day every 12 hours.

a. Child’s weight is _______ kg.

b. What is the safe and therapeutic daily dosage range for this child? _______

c. What is the safe individual dose range for this child? _______

d. Is the dose safe? YES NO IF NO, Specify: Too High or Too LOW

e. How many mLs are needed to administer the ordered dose? _______



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4. The HCP orders Keflex 250 mg po four times a day for a child weighing 50 lb.

You have Keflex 250 mg capsules. The recommended daily po dosage for a

child is 25 to 50 mg/kg/day in divided doses q6 h.


b. What is the safe individual dosage range for this child? _______

c. Is the order safe? Yes NO If NO, Specify: Too HIGH or Too LOW

d. How many capsule(s) will you administer? _______

5. The HCP orders Lanoxin 1.25 mg po daily for an infant weighing 6 lb 8 oz. You

have Lanoxin 0.05 mg/mL. The recommended daily dosage for an infant is 0.035

to 0.06 mg/kg/day in divided doses two times a day.


b. What is the safe individual dosage range for this child? _______ mg

c. Is the order safe? YES NO If NO, Specify: Too HIGH or Too LOW

d. How many milliliters will you administer? _______ mL



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6. The HCP orders Orapred 45 mg twice a day po for an asthmatic child weighing

94 lb. You have Orapred 15 mg/5 mL. The recommended oral dosage is 0.5 to 2

mg/kg/24 h divided twice a day. Maximum dosage is not to exceed 80 mg/24 h.


b. What is the safe daily dosage range for this child? _______

c. What is the safe individual dosage for this child? _______

d. Is the order safe? YES NO If NO, Specify: Too HIGH or Too LOW

e. How many milliliters will you administer? _________ mL

7. Tobramycin 100 mg IV q 8 hours is ordered for a child weighing 80 lbs. The safe

dose range is 6-7.5 mg/kg/day in divided doses q 8 hours.


b. What is the safe daily dose range? _________________ c. What is the safe individual dose range? ______________ d. Is the dose safe? YES NO IF NO, Specify: Too High or Too LOW

8. The HCP orders Omnicef 125 mg po bid for 10 days for a child weighing 33 lbs.

The safe dosage range is 7 mg/kg q 12 hours. Available as 125mg/5mL.

a. What is the weight in kg? ______________ Kg

b. What is the safe individual dosage range? ____________

c. Is the ordered dose safe? YES NO

If NO, Specify: Too HIGH or Too LOW

d. How many milliliters will you administer? _________ mL



22

9. Aztreonam 1 gram IV every 8 hours is ordered for a 60 lb child. The safe dose

for this drug used to treat infection in children with cystic fibrosis is 50 mg/kg

every 8 hours.

a. What is the weight in kg? ____________

b. What is the safe individual dosage range for this child? ______

c. Is the ordered dose safe? YES NO If NO, Specify: Too HIGH or Too LOW

10. The HCP orders Acetaminophen 145 mg q 4 hours prn fever/pain. The child weighs 14.5 kg. The safe dose range for this drug is 10-15 mg/kg/dose, with a maximum of 5 doses/24 hrs. a. What is the weight in Kg? _____________ b. What is the safe individual dose range? _______________ c. Is the ordered dose safe? YES NO

IF NO, Specify: Too HIGH or Too LOW



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Steps to Solving Parenteral Pediatric IV Push Medications

1. Convert pounds to kilograms. (Round to the second decimal number) 2. Determine the safe dose range in milligrams per kilogram using a drug reference. 3. Decide whether the ordered dose is safe by comparing the order with the safe dose

range listed in the reference. 4. Calculate the dose needed. 5. Check the reference for diluent and duration for administration.

Example:

A child weighs 50.6 lb and has an order for gentamicin 50 mg IV piggyback

(IVPB). The recommended dosage for a child is 6 to 7.5 mg/kg/day divided every

8 hours. Is the dosage ordered safe?

1. Convert pounds to kilograms. Convert pounds to kilograms: 50.6 lb = 23 kg

2. Determine the safe dose range in milligrams per kilogram using a drug reference.

Low dose: 6 mg × 23 = 138 mg per day ÷ 3 doses = 46 mg/dose

High dose: 7.5 mg × 23 = 172.5 mg per day ÷ 3 doses = 57.5 mg/dose

3. Decide whether the ordered dose is safe by comparing the order with the safe dose range listed in the reference. Yes, the dosage is safe.



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More Practice! 1. Rocephin 1 gram IV is ordered before surgery. Concentration is Rocephin 1 gram/100 mL

of D5W. Administer over 30 minutes. What is the flow rate? ______________

2. Keflex 250 mg q 6 hrs in 4 divided doses is ordered for a child. The child weighs 42 lbs.

The safe dose range is 25-50 mg/kg/day.

a. What is the weight in kg? ____________

b. What is the safe daily dosage range? ______________

c. What is the safe daily dosage range? _____________

d. Is the dose safe? YES NO If NO, Specify: Too HIGH or Too LOW

3. Vancomycin 100 mg IV q 8 hours is ordered. You are to infuse the medication over 2 hours.

Your availability is 100 mg/50ml. What is your flow rate? (Round to nearest whole

number) _____________

4. The HCP orders gentamycin 80 mg IV for a child weighing 10 kg. The safe dose range is 6-7.5

mg/kg/day.

a. What is the safe individual dose range? ____________

b. Is the dose safe? YES NO If NO, Specify: Too HIGH or To LOW



25

5. The recommended dose of mercaptopurine is 2.5 mg/kg/dose p.o. q 8 hours. The

recommended individual dosage for a child weighing 44 lb is _______________.

6. Augmentin 175 mg PO q 8 hours is ordered. The child weighs 13.2 kg. The safe dose is 25-

45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours.

a. What is the safe daily dose range? _________________ b. What is the safe individual dose range? _____________

c. Is the dose safe? YES NO IF NO, Specify: Too HIGH or Too LOW

7. Vancomycin 400 mg IV q 8 hours is ordered for a 12-yr-old child with CF weighing 66 lbs.

The safe dose range is 40 mg/kg/day in divided doses q 8 hours. Availability is

Vancomycin 400mg/100 mL of NS. The medication needs to be administered over 90

minutes.

a. What is the weight in kg? _________________

b. What is the safe daily dose? ________________

c. What is the safe individual dose?

d. Is the dose safe? Yes NO IF NO, Specify: Too HIGH or Too LOW

8. The HCP orders cephalexin 250 mg every 6 hours for a child weighing 13.18 lbs. The safe

dosage range for cephalexin is 75-100 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses.

a. What is the weight in kg? ___________ b. What is the safe individual dose? _______________

c. Is the ordered dose safe? YES NO IF NO, Specify: Too HIGH or Too LOW



26

References

Booth, K. Whaley, J., Sienkiewicz, S., & Palmunen, J. (2012). Math & Dosage Calculations for Health Care

Professionals (4th ed.) Mac-Graw Hill Companies, NY ISBN 978-0-07-337469

Broyles, Bonita. (2003) Dosage Calculation Practice for Nurses. Canada: Delmar Thomson Learning.

Bucholz, Susan. Henke’s Med-Math Dosage Calculation, Practice & Administration. 8th ed. Wolters Kluwer.

Curren, Ana, and Margaret Witt. Curren’s Math for Meds. 11th ed. Cengage, n.d. Dosage Calculations Made

Incredibly Easy. Springhouse Co.

De Castillo Martinez, Sandra Luz, and McCoullough-Werner, Maryanne. Calculating Drug Dosages: An Interactive

to Learning Nursing Math. 2nd ed. F.A. Davis Company, Philadelphia.

“Facts about the Official ‘Do Not Use’ List of Abbreviations.” Accessed December 8, 2014.

http://www.jointcommission.org/facts_about_the_official_/.

Giangrasso, Anthony, and Dolores Shrimpton. (2013). Dosage Calculations A Multi-Method Approach. Upper

Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.

Kee, Joycee, and Sally Marshall. (2009) Clinical Calculations with Applications to General and Specialty Areas. 6th

ed. Saunders Elsevier.

Koharchik, Linda, Elaine Hardy, Michalene King, and Yitnalem Garibo. “Evidence-Based Approach to Improve

Nursing Student Dosage Calculation Proficiency.” Teaching and Learning in Nursing 9, no. 2 (April 1,

2014): 69–74. doi:10.1016/j.teln.2013.12.003.

Pickar, Gloria and Abernethy, Amy Pickar (2008). Dosage Calculations. 8th ed. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson Delmar

Learning.

http://www.jointcommission.org/facts_about_the_official_/

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Dosage and Calculation - South Texas College · PDF fileDosage and Calculation Module: OB /...

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