Chapter 1: Introduction to Dosage Calculations
* Defines dosage calculations and their importance in healthcare.
* Introduces the different systems of measurement used in healthcare, including the metric and apothecary systems.
* Provides real-life examples of dosage errors and their potential consequences.
Example: A nurse accidentally administers 100 mg of morphine instead of 10 mg, resulting in respiratory depression in the patient.
Chapter 2: Calculating Doses Using the Formula Method
* Presents the formula method for calculating doses in various healthcare settings.
* Explains the steps involved in setting up and solving the formula.
* Provides practice problems and real-world scenarios to reinforce the concepts.
Example: A patient weighing 120 kg is prescribed 1.5 mg/kg of vancomycin. Calculate the total dose to be administered.
* Formula: Dose = Dose per kilogram x Weight
* Calculation: Dose = 1.5 mg/kg x 120 kg = 180 mg
Chapter 3: Calculating Doses Using Dimensional Analysis
* Introduces dimensional analysis as an alternative method for dosage calculations.
* Explains how dimensional analysis uses unit conversions to determine the correct dose.
* Provides examples and practice problems to illustrate the method.
Example: Convert 250 mL of a 0.5% saline solution to mg.
* Formula: 250 mL x (1 L / 1000 mL) x (0.5 g / 100 mL) x (1000 mg / 1 g) = 125 mg
Chapter 4: Calculating IV Flow Rates
* Explains the concept of intravenous (IV) flow rates and the factors that affect them.
* Presents formulas for calculating IV flow rates in different units.
* Provides examples and scenarios to demonstrate the application of these formulas.
Example: A patient is prescribed 1500 mL of fluids to be infused over 8 hours. Calculate the IV flow rate in mL/hr.
* Formula: Flow Rate = Volume / Time
* Calculation: Flow Rate = 1500 mL / 8 hr = 187.5 mL/hr
Chapter 5: Calculating Pediatric Doses
* Discusses the special considerations involved in calculating doses for children.
* Explains different methods for determining pediatric doses based on age, weight, or body surface area.
* Provides real-life case studies to illustrate the practical application of these methods.
Example: A 2-year-old child weighing 15 kg is prescribed amoxicillin 25 mg/kg/day. Calculate the total daily dose.
* Formula: Dose = Dose per kilogram x Weight
* Calculation: Dose = 25 mg/kg x 15 kg = 375 mg/day
