Dosage Calculations
Basic Dosage Calculation Formula
The gold standard formula used to determine the correct volume or quantity of medication to administer.
The Formula
- Desired (D) / Have (H) x Vehicle (V) = Amount to Administer (X)
- Ensure units of measure (mg, mcg, g) match before calculating.
- Convert to a common unit if they do not match (e.g., mg to mcg).
- Vehicle represents the form the drug comes in (e.g., tablet, mL, capsule).
Safety Checks
- Always verify calculation with a second nurse for high-alert medications.
- Assess the patient's weight if the order is weight-based (mg/kg).
- Round final answers according to facility policy; usually to the nearest tenth or hundredth.
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