Dosage Calculations Packet

Unit I Basic Mathematics Review

This unit will review Arabic and Roman numerals,
fractions, decimals, percentage, and ratio and proportion.
ARABIC AND ROMAN NUMERALS
Arabic and Roman numerals are used interchangeably to
express quantity or degree of measure. Roman numbers are
formed by combining the following letters according to the
rules stated below:
Arabic numbers Roman numbers
ss
!
" #
$ %
"$ &
$$ '
"$$ (
$$$ )
. To repeat a Roman number doubles its value. ! *+ !!*,
,. To place a letter to the right of a Roman number adds its
value to that number. #*"+ #!*-.
.. To place a letter to the left of a Roman number
decreases the value of that number by the amount
of the number added. #*"+ !#*/.
Practice Problems
0rite the Arabic numbers for the following:
. !!!11111 ,. %#! 11111 .. %%%!% 11111
/. #!11111 ". ')111111 -. %%!# 11111

0rite the Roman numbers for the following:

2. , 11111 3. / 11111 4. /$ 11111 $. -4 111111
. 3$ 11111 ,."$ 11111 .. 44 11111 /. 4 111111
Answers:
. . ,. - .. .4 /. - ". 4$$ -. ,/
2. !! 3. %!# 4. %& $. &%!%
. &%%% ,. '& .. !' /. %!%
FRACIONS
(efinition: A fraction is a part of a whole number. A
fraction has , parts, the top number is called the numerator
and the bottom number is called the denominator.
5xample: * is the numerator and , is the denominator.
There are / types of fractions:
. 6roper fractions 7 the numerator is less than the
denominator. 5xample: .
,. !mproper fractions 7 the numerator is greater than the
denominator. 5xample: -8".
.. 'omplex fractions 7 the numerator or denominator may
be either a fraction or a whole number.
5xample: or
, 9
/. )ixed number 7 there is a whole number and a fraction
combined. 5xample: . .
,
To change a mixed number to an improper fraction, you
must multiply the whole number by the denominator
and add the numerator. 5xample: . * 28,.
Practice Problems
Reduce the following fractions to the lowest terms
,8/*11111 $8,$* 11111 ,83 * 11111
.8-*11111 "8,$* 11111 38,*11111
.84*11111 ,8$* 11111 "8$*11111
/8-*11111 .8,* 11111 .8"*11111
Answers:
. ,. .. 8/ /. ". 9 -. ,8.
2. 8. 3. 8" 4. $. ,8. . : ,. 8"
'hange the following improper fractions to mixed numbers
. -8/*11111 ,. 28"*11111 .. "83* 11111
/. .8,*11111 ". 28.*11111 -. 8$*11111
Answers:
. ,. ,8" .. 283 /. ". , 8. -. 8$
'hange the following mixed numbers to improper fractions
. . * 11111 ,. - *11111 .. $ *11111
/. .. 8.* 11111 ". 3 9*11111 -. 4 .8"*11111
Answers:
. 28, ,. .8, .. ,8, /. $$8. ". ."8/ -. /38"
.
A!!ing Fractions "it# Like Denominators$
. Add the numerators.
,. 6lace the answer over the denominator.
.. Reduce the answer to the lowest term by dividing the
numerator and the denominator by the largest number
that can divide them both.
5xample: 83 ;83 *,83
(ivide the numerator and denominator by , and
,83 becomes :.
A!!ing Fractions "it# Unlike Denominators$
. (etermine the smallest number that the denominators of
each fraction divide into evenly. This is called the least
common denominator<&'(=.
,. (ivide the denominator into the &'( and multiply the
results by the numerator.
.. Add the new numerators and place over the new
denominator.
/. Reduce to lowest terms.
5xample:8, ; 8. < , and . will divide evenly into -=
- divided by , * . x * .
- divided by . * , x * ,
. ; , * "
- - This is reduced to the lowest terms.
/
Subtracting Fractions "it# Like Denominators$
. >ubtract the numerators.
,. 6lace the difference over the denominator.
.. Reduce to the lowest terms.
5xample: 2 7 . * / This reduces to .
3 3 3
Subtracting Fractions "it# Unlike Denominators$
. ?ind the &'( and convert fractions.
,. >ubtract the numerators.
.. 6lace the difference over the &'(.
/. Reduce to the lowest terms.
5xample: 7 <?ind the &'(= * . 7 , *
, . - - -
This answer is reduced to the lowest terms.
Multi%l&ing Fractions$
. )ultiply the numerators.
,. )ultiply the denominators.
.. Reduce to the lowest terms.
5xample: . x , * - Reduced *
/ . , ,
"
Di'i!ing Fractions$
. !nvert the divisor <,8. would become .8,=.
,. 'hange the division sign to multiplication.
.. )ultiply the numerators.
/. )ultiply the denominators.
". Reduce to the lowest terms.
5xample: divided by * x , * ,
. , . .
This answer is reduced to the lowest terms.
Practice Problems (or Fractions$
. 8/ ; : * 111111 .. 28, 7 8- * 111111
,. 8. ; ,8. * 111111 /. 284 7 8. * 111111
.. ,8" ; ,8" * 111111 ". ,8. % 83 * 111111
/. .8/ ; : *
111111111 -. 8. % 8- * 11111
". 8- ; .8, *111111 2. 9 % * 111111
-. : ; * 111111 3. 48," % /8., * 111111
2. "83 ; 9 * 111111 4. "8- % ,8. * 111111
3. ,8. ; .8" * 11111 ,$. 9 divided by ,8. *111111
4. ,8. 7 8. * 111111 ,. 84 divided by .84 *111111
$. "83 7 .83 * 111111 ,,. 83 divided by ,8. *111111
. 9 @ * 11111 ,.. 8" divided by *11111
,. 28$ 78,$ *11111 ,/. .83 divided by .83 *111111
Answers:
. 4. 8. 2. .83
,. $. 8/ 3. 48,$$
.. /8" . 8/ 4. "84
/. ,. .8,$ ,$. 83
". "8, .. "8, ,. 8.
-. 9 /. /84 ,,. .8-
2. .83 ". 8, ,.. ,8"
3. /8" -. 83 ,/.
6lease see Aursing ?aculty if you need further homeworB.
-
DECIMALS$
A!!ing Decimals$
Align the decimals and add.

5xample: $.,
-.$4.
; ,.4$
./.$/
"..,/
Subtracting Decimals$
Align the decimals and subtract.
5xamples: ,."- -.$$
@ $.3. @ $.4$
.2. ".$
Multi%l&ing Decimals$
. )ultiply as whole numbers.
,. 'ount the number of decimal places in each number.
.. 'ount from right to left in the answer and place the
decimal point.
5xamples: .../ ,.-2
x $.3 x .,"
,.-2, -.."
,"./
..-2"

2
Di'i!ing Decimals$
. 'hange the dividing number to a whole number by
moving the decimal point to the right.
,. 'hange the number being divided by moving its
decimal point the same number of places to the right.
.. (ivide as usual.
/. 6lace the decimal point in the answer directly above the
decimal point in the dividend.
". 'arry out the answer to . decimal places before
rounding off to , places.
5xample: 2..
$.$.. ,.4. The answer is 2.
,
$4
4
$
5xample: 3.
$.$". /.$"." The answer is 3.
/ $
$"
"
$"
"
$
3
Roun!ing Decimals$
. (etermine at what place you are going to round.
,. !f the number to the right of the place you are going
to round is greater than or equal to ", round up to the
next number.
.. !f that number is less than ", delete the remaining
number or numbers.
Practice Problems
. ,.$. ; .$$4 ; ,.4 *11111 ,. .... ; $.- ; /.$$ * 11111
.. ,.$$4 @ .34 * 111111111 /. ..4$ 7 ,.$, * 111111111
". /.., % .4 * 11111111111 -. $.43$ % $., * 111111111
2. ,/ divided by ., * 11111 3. $.2" divided by $." * 111
Round the decimal to the tenth place:
4. $.2" *111111 $. $.,. *1111111
. $.43 * 111111 ,. $..- *1111111

Round the decimal to the hundredth place:
.. .$3- *11111 /. $./"- * 111111
". ,.,./ *111111 -. 4.$/ * 11111
Answers:
. /.4.4 ,. 2.4. .. .4 /. .33
". ..333 -. $.4- 2. ,$ 3. ."
4. $.3 $. $., . .$ ,. $./
.. .$4 /. $./- ". ,.,. -. 4.$
/. $./- ". ,.,.
6lease see Aursing ?aculty if you need further homeworB.
4
PERCENA)E$
A percentage is a part of $$.
C#anging Percent to Fractions$
. The numerator will be the number in front of the C sign.
,. The denominator will always be $$.
.. (ivide as usual.
/. Reduce to the lowest terms.
5xample: ,"C * ," * <," divided by $$= * :
$$
C#anging Fractions to Percent$
. (ivide the numerator by the denominator.
,. )ultiply the answer by $$.
5xample: : * divided by / * $.," % $$ * ,"C
C#anging Percent to a !ecimal$
. Remove the C sign.
,. (ivide by $$ <or move the decimal , places to the left=.
5xample: ,"C * ," * .,"
$$
$
Practice Problems$
'hange to fraction: 'hange to C: 'hange to decimal:
. $C * 11111 ,. * 11111 .. $C * 11111
/. /"C * 11111 ". 8. * 11111 -. /"C * 11111
2. 2"C * 11111 3. : * 11111 4. 2"C * 11111
$. ,"C * 11111 . /8" * 11111 ,. ,"C * 11111
Answers:
. 8$ ,. "$C .. $. /. 48,$
". ..C -. $./" 2. 9 3. ,"C
4. $.2" $. : . 3$C ,. $.,"
RAIO an! PROPORION$
Ratio$
(efinition: A ratio expresses the relationship of one
quantity to another. 0hen solving dosage calculations, a
ratio is composed of two numbers that are separated by a
colon.
5xamples: ,:/ or /:- or :"$
Pro%ortion$
(efinition: A proportion shows the relationship
between two ratios that are equal.

5xamples: : , :: , : / or , : 3 :: " : ,$
The first example is read liBe this: is to , as , is to /.
Dou can see that these two ratios are equal. The way to
demonstrate this mathematically is to multiply the two
outer numbers together and the two inner numbers
together. The answers will be equal to one another.
5xample: , : 3 :: " : ,$
, x ,$ * *+ <outer numbers multiplied together=
3 x " * *+ <inner numbers multiplied together=
Ratio and proportions are used to solve dosage calculation
problems when you do not Bnow one of the four numbers.
This is called solving for E%F or solving for the unBnown.
Sol'ing (or ,-.$
. )ultiply the outer numbers.
,. )ultiply the inner numbers.
.. 6lace the answer that contains the E%F to the left of
the equals sign and solve the equation by diving the
entire equation by the number before the E%F.
5xample: . : " :: " : %
.% * 2" <divide the equation by .=
.% * 2" % *,"
. .
To checB your worB, put the answer into the equation and
multiply the outer numbers and the inner numbers and
they should be equal.
5xample: . : " :: " : ,"
. x ," * /0 <outer numbers multiplied together=
" x " * /0 <inner numbers multiplied together=
,
Practice Problems
?ind the value of x:
. , : . :: 3 : x
,. x : "$$$ :: $ : "$$
.. ,8. : 9 :: x : ,8,/
/. " : x :: ,$ : .$
". $.," : :: $.," : x
-. ,., : - :: x : /$
2. , : - :: ,/ : x
3. x : 8"$ :: : 8$$
Answers:
. ,
,. $$
.. 284
/. 2 8,
". ,
-. "...
2. ,
3. ,8.
.
Unit II 1 S&stems o( Measurement an! Con'ersion
Aurses have the legal responsibility for administering the
appropriate amount of medications. They must be able to
interpret dosage instructions from manufacturers and
doctors to administer doses accurately. They must also be
able to provide client education regarding home
administration. There are three primary systems of
measure that are currently used in medication
administration: the metric system, the apothecary system,
and the household system.
2E MERIC S3SEM
The metric system is widely used in dosage calculations. !t
uses powers of $ and the basic units of measure are the
gram, liter, and meter. A gram measures weight, a liter
measures fluid, and a meter measures length
.
Gram: measures weight.
Gram may be written G, g, Gm or gm.
&iter: measures liquid.
&iter may be written & or l
/
)eter: measures length. )eter may
be written m.
.
The metric system also uses prefixes to describe how much
of the basic unit:
4ilo *$$$ times the basic unit.
Centi 58$$ of the basic unit or $.$.
Milli * 8$$$ of the basic unit or $.$$.
Micro 58,$$$,$$$ of the basic unit or $.$$$$$.

'ommonly seen units are the Hg <Bilogram=, ml <milliliter=,
and mcg <microgram=.
The metric system contains the following rules:
. Arabic numbers are used <i.e. "$=
,. The symbol of measure is placed after the number
<i.e. "$ ml=
.. ?ractions are written as decimals <$.,"=
Practice Problems
Abbreviate the following metric notations:
. ?ive grams 1111111111111111
,. >even hundred fifty milliliters 1111111111111111
.. Ine and one@half Bilograms 1111111111111111
/. Two hundred micrograms 1111111111111111
". Ine@ half milligram 1111111111111111
-. ?ive@hundredths of a gram 1111111111111111
2. >ix hundred milligrams 1111111111111111
3. Three@tenths of a gram 1111111111111111
"
)5TR!' JA>!'
5KL!#A&5AT>
Hg. * $$$ Gm.
Gm. * $$$ mg.
mg. * $$$ mcg.
ml. * c.c.
&. * $$$ c.c. or $$$ ml.
Answers: . " gm ,. 2"$ ml .. Bg /. ,$$ mcg
". $." mg -. $.$" gm 2. -$$ mg 3. $.. gm
Using Ratio an! Pro%ortion "it#in t#e Metric S&stem
As stated earlier, nurses use ratios <:,= to maBe
comparisons, and proportions to show that two ratios
are equal < : , :: , : /=. This principle is used to
exchange weights within the metric system.
5xample: $." Hg. * 11M111gm.
?irst, find the basic equivalent in the previous chart.
This would be, Hg. * $$$ Gm. Aow you Bnow . of the
/ numbers in the equation. >olve for E%F as you were
taught in Lnit ! and utiliNe the above rules of proportion.
>et the problem up: Hg. : $$$ gm. :: $." Hg. : % gm
% * "$$
Remember, you multiply the outside numbers and then the
inside numbers and then divide. !n this example, it was not
necessary to divide.
0hat label comes after "$$M &ooB up at your problem, it
would be "$$ gm. The label will always be what follows
the unBnown E%F.
-
RL&5> I? 6RI6IRT!IA
. Lnits of ratios must correspond within the same
proportion. 'orrect * Gm. : Hg. :: Gm. : Hg.
,. Ao more than , different units of measure can be
used within the proportion.
.. &abel all numbers with the appropriate unit of
measure.
Practice Problems
>olve for E%F:
. ,"$ Gm. * % Hg. -. .." &. * % ml.
,. ,"$$ mcg. * % mg. 2. "/ c.c. * % &.
.. " mg. * % mcg. 3. $.," &. * % ml.
/. / ml. * % c.c. 4. ,$$$ mg. * % gm.
". . Hg. * % Gm. $. ,"$ mg. * % Gm.
Answers: . $.," Bg ,. ,." mg .. "$$$ mcg
/. /cc ". .$$$gm -. ."$$ ml 2. $."/ &
3. ,"$ ml 4. , gm $. $.," gm
6lease see Aursing ?aculty if you need further homeworB.
2E APO2ECAR3 S3SEM
The Apothecary >ystem is another method of expressing
units of measure. !t is an old system and is not used
exclusively because it is not standariNed. That means that
each measure is an approximate amount, not an exact
amount. Jut, some doctors still order medicines using this
system, and some labels contain this system as well. !t is
different from the metric system in the following ways:
. !t uses Roman numerals <ss * 8,, i * , iv * /, v * ",
ix *4, x * $=
,. The unit is written before the amount <gr i, gr ss, gr iv=
.. ?ractions are written as common fractions <gr. 8"$=.
The only exception is , which is written as is.

The basic units of measure that are commonly used are the
grain, ounce, dram, and minim.
2
Grain: measures weight and is
written gr.
Iunce: measures liquid amounts and is written liBe
a cursive z but with an extra hump on top *
(ram: Lsed to measure smaller amounts of
liquid medicine. !t is written Oust liBe a cursive z.

)inim: Tiny amount of liquid medicine. A minim
equals a drop. !t is written liBe a cursive m and
sometimes it has a long tail.
3
Apothecary measures for dry weight are infrequently used.
Therefore, the word EfluidF is generally dropped when
referring to the dram or ounce. The table below reflects
apothecary measures for volume.

Practice Problems
>olve for E%F using ratio and proportion:
. m. .$ * dram %
,. dram iv * ounce %
.. ounce ., * qt. %
/. qt. , * pt. %
". ounce xvi * qt. %
-. dram iv * m. %
2. m. xxx * dram %
3. $ ss * ounce %
4. " pt. * qt. %
$. ounce ss * m. %
Answers:
. dram ,. oN .. qt /. / pts ". qt
-. ,/$ m 2. dram 3. 8- oN 4. 2."qt $. ,/$ m
4
A6ITP5'ARD JA>!' 5KL!#A&5A'5>
-$ minims * fluid dram
3 fluid drams * ! fluid ounce
- fluid ounces * pint
, pints * quart
/ quarts * gallon
2OUSE2OLD MEASURE
The Pousehold Lnit of )easure is the most commonly
recogniNed by laypeople in America. !t includes drops,
teaspoons, tablespoons, and cups. Dro% is written gtt,
teas%oon is written tsp or t., tables%oon is written Tbsp,
tbsp or T and cu% is written '. This system is not
standardiNed either, it utiliNes approximate measures.

Practice Problems
>olve for E%F using ratio and proportion:
. " T. * % t. ". , ounce * % t.
,. . c. * % ounce -. ,/ ounce * % c.
.. "$ gtts. * % t. 2. 4T. * % ounce
/. / ounce * % T. 3. " t. * % gtts.
Answers: . " t ,. ,/ oN .. ,." t /. 3 T
". , t -. . c 2. / oN 3. .$$ gtts
Aurses must learn all three units of measure <metric,
apothecary and household= because medicines are ordered
or labeled using the metric system or apothecary system,
and we tell patients how much medicine to taBe using the
household system.
,$
PIL>5PI&( 5KL!#A&5AT>
-$ drops <gtts.= * teaspoon <t.=
. teaspoons * Tablespoon <T.=
, Tablespoons * ounce
3 ounces * cup <'.=
LEARNIN) t#e BASIC E6UI7ALENCES
!n order to calculate dosage amounts you must first
memori8e these basic equivalences:
Con'ersion Bet9een S&stems
Aow that you Bnow the equivalences, it is time to learn
how to convert values between systems. Heep your charts
of equivalences handy and refer bacB to them often.
)any times the physician will order a medication in one
strength but the pharmacy stocBs the medication in a
different strength. Jy using ratio and proportion that you
were taught in Lnit !, you can determine how much of the
medication that the pharmacy stocBs will be needed to
equal the amount ordered by the physician.
Always set up your problem in the following manner:
,
BASIC E6UI7ALENCES COMMONL3 USED
g <gram= * $$$ mg <milligrams= -$ mg * gr <grain=
Bg <Bilogram= * $$$ g dram * / ml
Bg * ,., lb <pounds=
&. <liter= * $$$ ml <milliters= .$ ml * oN <ounce=
ml * cc <cubic centimeter= T * . tsp <teaspoon=
mg * $$$ mcg. <micrograms= ' <cup= * 3 oN
, T <tablespoon= * oN T * " ml
" 7 - gtt <drop= * ml tsp * " ml
HAI0A LA!T : HAI0A :: (5>!R5( LA!T : LAHAI0A
I? )5A>LR5 5KL!#A&5AT I? )5A>LR5 5KL!#A&5AT
LA!T I? <%=
)5A>LR5


E:am%le$ Pow many grams are there in "$$mgM
< The Bnown ratio is $$$ mg * gm=
HAI0A LA!T : HAI0A :: (5>!R5( : %
I? )5A>LR5 5KL!#A&5AT LA!T I?
LA!T I? )5A>LR5
)5A>LR5
$$$ mg : gm :: "$$ mg : % gm
$$$ % * "$$
% * "$$
$$$

% * $." gm <Remember to checB your answer=
E:am%le$ ,$ mg is equal to how many grainsM
< The Bnown ratio is -$ mg * gr=
Lse the above formula:
-$ mg : gr :: ,$ mg : % gr
-$ % * ,$
% * ,$
-$
% * 8. grain <Remember to checB your answer=
,,
Practice Problems
. : gr * 111111 mg .. ,"$$ mg * 11111gm
,. ,$ mg * 111111 gm /. .$ Bgs * 11111lbs
.. $.$" gm * 111111 gr ". , oN * 11111cc
/. "" lbs * 111111 Bg -. $.$$. * 11111mcg
". ,"$ mcg *111111 mg 2. $$$ ml * 11111pts
-. $.. ml * 111111 m 3. -" lbs * 11111Bg
2. / drams *111111 ml 4. ." tsp * 11111cc
3. /" ml *111111 oN ,$. . gr * 11111mg
4. .," & *1111111 ml ,. 8. oN * 11111tsp
$. ,$ ml * 111111 tsp ,,. $.$$- gm * 11111mg
. gr *1111111 gm ,.. $ ml * 11111tsp
,. $., mg *1111111 gr ,/. . ' *11111cc

Answers:

. " mg .. ,." gm
,. $.,$ gm /. -- lbs
.. $.2" gr ". .-$ cc
/. ," Bg -. . mcg
". $.," mg 2. , pts
-. " m 3. 2" Bg
2. - ml 4. 2." cc
3. oN ,$. 3$ mg
4. ,"$ ml ,. 3 tsp
$. / tsp ,,. - mg
. $. gm ,.. , tsp
,. 8.$$ gr ,/. ,/$ c
6lease see Aursing ?aculty for further homeworB.
,.
UNI III 1 Sim%le Dosage Calculations
The focus of this unit is learning to interpret physician
orders and read medication labels correctly. !n addition,
the administration of safe dosages of oral and parenteral
medication will be discussed.
INERPREIN) P23SICIAN ORDERS
!n order to administer medications safely and correctly the
nurse must first be able to interpret the physicians order.
5xample: Ambien $ mg p.o. q h.s. p.r.n. sleep.
0hat is the name of the medicationM Ambien
0hat is the prescribed dosageM $ mg
0hat is the route of administrationM p.o. <by mouth=
0hen is the drug to be administeredM h.s. <hr of sleep=
0hy is the drug to be administeredM to help pt sleep
Practice Problems
?or each of the )( orders interpret the following:
a. )edication nameM
b. 6rescribed dosageM
c. Route of administrationM
d. Time of administrationM
e. 0hat other directions, if any, are givenM
. H@&or ,$ m5q p.o. in ,$ cc orange Ouice b.i.d.
,. #alium " mg p.o. q / hr p.r.n. anxiety.
.. Tylenol gr % p.o. q / hr p.r.n. temp Q $.
/. (emerol 2" mg !.). q / hr p.r.n. pain.
,/
Answers:
. a. H@&or
b. ,$ m5q
c. po <by mouth=
d. , times a day
e. mix in ,$ cc orange Ouice
,. a. #alium
b. " mg
c. po
d. every / hours as needed
e. give as needed for anxiety
.. a. Tylenol
b. grain $
c. po
d. every / hours as needed
e. give if temp Q $
/. a. (emerol
b. 2" mg
c. !) <intramuscular=
d. every / hours as needed
e. give as needed for pain
INERPREIN) MEDICAION LABELS
)edication label information varies from one medication to
another. Powever, most all labels contain the following
information+ brand name, generic name, dosage, route of
administration and manufacturer. !f a medication has to be
reconstituted, the label will contain information regarding
suitable diluents, amount of diluents to be added,
concentration of medication after it is reconstituted and its
stability. The label of a medication to be administered !#
should tell what !# fluids are compatible with the
medication. !f the medication is in a multi@dose pacBage it
will give the total amount of the medication contained.
,"
Practice Problems
!dentify the following for each of the medication labels:
a. Generic name c. Route of administration or form
b. Trade name d. (osage
.
,.

..

/.

Answers:
. a. ramipril b. Altace c. capsules d. ,." mg8cap
,. a. cefotaxime b. 'laforan c. !)8!# d. gm
.. a. phenobarbital b. none c. tablets d. " mg8tab
/. a. epoetin alfa b. 5pogen c. ml vial d. .,$$$ u8ml
,-
CALCULAION OF ORAL DOSA)ES
Iral dosage forms of medications include tablets, capsules,
suspensions, loNenges, powders, emulsions, solutions,
tinctures, syrups and elixirs. The liquid forms of oral
medications are generally calculated to be administered in
millimeters, cubic centimeters teaspoons, tablespoons and
sometimes minims.
To calculate oral dosages you will use the previously
discussed method of ratio and proportion. >et the problems
up Oust as you did in Lnit !!.
5xample: IR(5R5(: Amoxicillin "$$ mg p.o.
A#A!&AJ&5: Amoxicillin ,"$ mg tablets
,"$ mg : tablet :: "$$ mg : % tablets
,"$ % * "$$
% * "$$ % * , tablets
,"$
'hecB your answer: ,"$ mg : tab :: "$$ mg : , tab
,"$ x , * 0++
x "$$ * 0++
,2
RL&5> ?IR IRA& (I>AG5>
. Inly scored tablets can be divided accurately.
,. Administer the least number of tablets, capsules, etc.
possible to obtain the correct dosage.
.. !f the ordered medication specifies a number of pills
without a designated strength, the order can only be
carried out if the drug is manufactured in a single
strength.
/. There can only be a $C margin of difference
between the or!ere! and the a!ministere! dosage to
be considered within a safe range.
5xample: IR(5R5(: Aembutal .$ mg p.o.
A#A!&AJ&5: Aembutal scored tablets gr. !
>ince the ordered form of the medication and the available
form of the medication are values from different systems of
measurement, you must first change the ordered form of the
medication to the available form of the medication. #is
t&%e o( a %roblem is al9a&s going to re;uire < ste%s=
Ste% >$
<The Bnown ratio is -$ mg * grain=
-$ mg : grain :: .$ mg : % grain
-$ % * .$
% * .$ % * grain or $." grain
-$ ,
Ste% <$
Aow put this answer into an equation and determine how
many tablets you should administer.
grain : tablet :: $." grain : % tablet
% * $." Dou would administer of a tablet.
CALCULAION OF PARENERAL DOSA)ES
6arenteral means inOection of drugs into the tissue or fluids
of the body. The various routes for this include+
!ntradermal <!.(.=, >ubcutaneous <>.'. or sq=,
!ntramuscular <!.).= and !ntravenous <!.#.=. The
calculation of these dosages is no different from oral
dosage calculations. Dou will use ratio and proportion to
solve the problems. Heep your conversion charts handyR
,3
Practice Problems
'alculate the correct amount of oral or parenteral
medications to be administered:
. Irder : (emerol ,$ mg !)
Available: (emerol "$ mg per cc
,. Irder: >copolamine gr 8.$$ !)
Available : >copolamine $./ mg per ml
.. Irder : Amoxil $." gm p.o.
Available: Amoxil ,"$ mg per " ml
/. Irder: 6roNac liquid /$ mg p.o.
Available: 6roNac liquid ,$ mg per "ml
". Irder: Aitrostat 8$$ gr p.o.
Available: Aitrostat $.. mg per tablet
-. Irder: #@'illin H 3$$,$$$ units p.o.
Available: #@'illin H /$$,$$$ units per tablet
2. Irder: 'ylert 2" mg. p.o.
Available: 'ylert 3.2" mg per tablet
3. Irder: Aeupogen $.. mg sq
Available: Aeupogen .$$ mcg per ml
4. Irder: ?entanyl /" mcg !.).
Available: ?entanyl $.$" mg per ml
$. Irder: H@&or -$ m5q p.o.
Available: H@&or ,$ m5q per " cc
. $./cc ,. $."ml .. $ ml /. $ ml ". , tabs
-. , tabs 2. / tabs 3. ml 4. $.4ml $. " cc
6lease see Aursing ?aculty if you need further homeworB.
,4
Practice Problems
'alculate the correct amount of medication to administer.
!nterpret the labels to determine the available dosage.
. Irder: H@Tab ." gm po bid with meals.
,. Irder: Peparin 3$$$ units sq q , hr.
.. Irder: 6rimaxin $." gm !) q , hr.
/. Irder: !nfergen , mcg sq q day.
Answers: . , tabs ,. $.3 ml .. , ml /. $./ ml
6lease see Aursing ?aculty if you need further homeworB
.$
UNI I7 1 AD7ANCED DOSA)E
CALCULAIONS
This unit will cover the following topics+ reconstitution of
powered drugs, insulin administration and calculating safe
pediatric dosages of medications.
RECONSIUION OF PO"ERED DRU)S
Reconstitution of powered drugs involves the addition of a
sterile diluent, usually distilled water or normal saline, to a
drug that is in the form of a powder. The pharmacist
usually carries out this tasB, but in many areas of the
hospital the tasB becomes that of the nurseSs. The pacBage
insert or the container will contain the directions for
reconstituting a particular drug. The diluent, as well as
instructions for storage will be included. !f the vial is a
multi@use vial it is the nurseSs responsibility to date and
time the container.
5xample: Irdered: 6rimaxin 2"$ mg !).
Available: 6rimaxin 2"$ mg vial. (issolve in
.ml of C lidocaine P'l solution.
Pow many ml of diluent should you addM .ml
0hat amount of the medication will you administerM All
that is in the vial. <The whole vial * 2"$ mg=.
5xample: Irdered: )andol ,"$ mg !).
Available: )andol gm vial. Add . ml of
normal saline to obtain a
concentration of gm per / cc.
Pow many ml of diluent should you addM . ml
0hat amount of medication will you administerM
$$$ mg : / cc :: ,"$ mg : % cc
$$$ % *$$$ - 5 >cc
.
Practice Problems
>olve the following reconstitution problems. (etermine
what amount of the medication you will administer.
. Irder: 'efobid 2"$ mg !).
Available: 'efobid gm vial. Add ,.- ml of sterile
water to obtain a concentration of ,"$ mg8ml.
,. Irder: 6ipracil ." gm !)
Available: A , gm vial of 6ipracil. Add / ml of normal
saline to obtain a concentration of
gm 8,." ml.
.. Irder: 'laforan gm !)
Available: A , gm vial of 'laforan. Add " ml
normal saline to obtain a concentration of
..$ mg8ml.
/. Irder: &orabid /$$ mg p.o.
Available: Jottle containing &orbid gm powder.
Add ,"cc water to obtain a concentration of
,$$ mg8 "cc.
". Irder: &ibrium ," mg !).
Available: &ibrium $$ mg ampule. Add , ml of
enclosed diluent to obtain a concentration
of $$ mg8 ,ml.
-. Irder: HefNol .$$ mg !).
Available: HefNol "$$ mg vial. Add , ml normal
saline to obtain a concentration of
,," mg8 ml.
Answers: . . ml ,. ..2" ml .. . ml
/. $ cc ". $." ml -. .. ml
6lease see Aursing ?aculty if you need further homeworB.
.,
INSULIN ADMINISRAION
!nsulin is a natural hormone produced by the pancreas to
maintain the bodySs blood sugar within the normal
range of 3$@,$ mg8d&. Dou will learn much more
about this during lecture. The purpose of this unit is
to teach you how to safely calculate and administer
insulin to patients.
The insulin that is used for replacement therapy is obtained
from animal and human sources. This is important for the
nurse to Bnow because the patient needs to remain on the
same source of insulin between home care and
hospitaliNation. The label on the insulin bottle will tell
whether the insulin is from an animal source or human
source.
!n addition to various sources of insulin, there are different
categories of insulin. The categories are short,
intermediate, and long acting insulin and the bottles will be
labeled accordingly. This means that the effect the insulin
has on the body varies in terms of time. Ince again, this
will be taught in detail at a later time in the curriculum.
The nurse needs to use caution that he8she is giving the
correct type of insulin because a patient may be receiving
more than one type of insulin at various times throughout
the day.
!nsulin is measured by a standard that is called L>6 units.
!t is supplied in concentrations of >++ units %er milliliter=
<)emoriNe thisR= This is true for all sources and all
categories of insulin.
..
An insulin s&ringe can onl& be use! (or measuring
insulin= Units are not interc#angeable= A unit o( insulin
is not t#e same as a unit o( %enicillin= Do not use a
uberculin s&ringe to measure insulin= Insulin s&ringes
are !esigne! 9it# less !ea! s%ace in t#e #ub o( t#e
s&ringe=

Jecause insulin is supplied as $$ units8ml and the insulin
syringe is measured in units8ml, there is no calculation
required for insulin administration. !f the order states "L
Pumulin !nsulin R, you would administer " units of regular
insulin via a ml insulin syringe.

)any times the patient will receive a long@acting insulin
once or twice daily, as well as a short acting insulin every /
hours depending upon his blood sugar. To determine the
amount of the short@acting insulin to administer, the nurse
will have to refer to the physicianSs sliding scale order.
5xample: Irder: Regular insulin sq q / hr according to
sliding scale below.
The patientSs blood sugar was ,.". Pow
much insulin will the nurse administerM

./
6I!AT> TI R5)5)J5R 0P5A A()!A!>T5R!AG !A>L&!A
. 0hen mixing categories of insulin in the same syringe, always
draw up the short@acting <itSs clear in appearance= first. <'lear
to cloudy=.
,. Gently roll the bottle of insulin to mix it before drawing up the
dose. (o not shaBe the bottle vigorously.
.. Always have another nurse verify that you have drawn up the
correct amount and type of insulin.
/. Inly Regular <short acting= insulin can be given intravenously.
". !f not given correctly, insulin can be a lethal drug.
Jlood >ugar <mg8d&= Regular !nsulin
$ 7 "$ Ao insulin
" 7 ,$$ , units
,$ 7 ,/$ / units
,/@ ,3$ - units
,3 7 ..$ 3 units
over ..$ 'all )(
Jased on the above sliding scale, you administer / units.
Practice Problems
Lse the sliding scale above to determine how much
Regular insulin should be administered based on the
following blood sugar results:
. ,-" mg8d& * 1111111111111111111
,. ,, mg8d& * 1111111111111111111
.. 44 mg8d& * 1111111111111111111
/. 2" mg8d& * 1111111111111111111
". ,/ mg8d& * 1111111111111111111
-. ./" mg8d& * 1111111111111111111
2. .$$ mg8d& * 1111111111111111111
3. ." mg8d& * 1111111111111111111
Answers: . - units
,. / units
.. , units
/. $ units
". - units
-. call )( 7 blood sugar too #ig#
2. 3 units
3. $, call )( 7 blood sugar too lo9
<remember the normal 3$ 7 ,$=
."
Are you beginning to feel liBe
a nurseM Aow we are getting
into the fun stuffR !f you are
feeling overwhelmed, please
see a member of the Aursing
?aculty for one@on@one
assistanceR
CALCULAIN) SAFE PEDIARIC DOSA)ES
!nfants and children require smaller quantities of drugs than
adults. Their medications are commonly ordered in
milligrams or micrograms per Bilogram of body weight.
Jelow are the steps to determine a safe pediatric
medication dosage:
5xample: Irder: (emerol ." mg8Bg !). The child
weighs ,$ pounds.

Ste% >$ 'onvert pounds to Bilogram
,., lb : Bg :: ,$ lb : % Bg
,., % * ,$
% * 4.$4$4 <Round to the hundredth place for children=
% * 4.$4 Bg
Ste% <$ 'alculate the ordered dose of (emerol.
Bg : ." mg :: 4.$4 Bg : % mg
% * ..-." <Round to the hundredth place for children=
.-
. 0eigh the child
,. 'onvert pounds to Bilograms as you
did in Lnit !!.
.. 'alculate the ordered dose using ratio
and proportion.
/. (etermine if the dose is safe according
to the manufacturers safe dosage range.
% * ..-/ mg (emerol
Aow that you Bnow how to determine the amount of
medication to administer based on weight, you
need to learn how to determine if that dose is
within the safe range.
(rug manufacturers will include the safe pediatric ranges
for medications. Dou have to insert the dosage for your
pediatric patient into the equation and use ratio and
proportion, to determine if it is a safe dose. !f it is, you
administer the drug. !f it is not, you call the ordering
physician. )any times a range will be given rather than
one specific safe dosage amount.
5xample: Irder: Tegretol /$$ mg po J!(. The
recommended dose is " 7 ,$ mg8Bg. The child weighs
"" lbs. !s the ordered dose a safe doseM
Ste% >$ 'onvert pounds to Bilograms
,., lb : Bg :: "" lbs : % Bg
% * ," Bg
Ste% <$ 'alculate to determine if the dose is safe.
Bg : " mg :: ," Bg : % mg
% * .2" mg an!
Bg : ,$ mg :: ," Bg : % mg
% * "$$ mg
This tells you the safe range per dose is .2" 7 "$$ mg.
As stated above, the )( ordered /$$ mg. >ince /$$ falls
within the safe range, you would determine that /$$ mg is a
safe dose. !f, for example, the )( had ordered -$$ mg
.2
Tegretol then you would determine that not to be a safe
dose and you would notify the ordering physician.
Another variation of this principle, is that the nurse may
have to determine if a dose is safe in terms of a ,/ hour
period. >ome medications will list a ,/@hour safe dose
range and the nurse has to determine if the number of doses
of a medication to be given in ,/ hours falls within that
range.
5xample: Irder: 5rythromycin -,." mg, po q- hr for an
infant that weighs lbs. >afe dose
range is .$ 7 "$ mg8Bg8,/ hrs.
Ste% >$ 'onvert lbs to Bg
,., lb : Bg :: lbs : % Bg
% * " Bg
Ste% <$ (etermine safe dose range for ,/@hr period.
Bg : .$ mg :: " Bg : % mg
% * "$ mg
Bg : "$ mg :: " Bg : % mg
% * ,"$ mg
Sa(e !osage range (or <*?#r %erio! 5 >0+ mg 1 <0+ mg
Ste% @$ (etermine if the ordered dosage for the ,/@hr
period is safe.
The ordered medication is ordered every - hours. The
nurse determines that the child will receive / doses in a ,/@
hr period.
.3
-,." mg % / doses * ,"$ mg of 5rythromycin in a ,/@hr
period. The nurse determines this to be a safe ,/@hr period
dose by comparing this number to the safe range in step ,.
Practice Problems
. Irder: Tylenol elixir $ mg8Bg po.
'hild weight is $ pounds.
Available: Tylenol elixir -$ mg8 "ml.

Pow much Tylenol will you administerM
,. Irder: Amoxicillin $$ mg po q- hr.
'hild weighs " lbs.
>afe range is ," 7 .$ mg8Bg8,/ hr.
a. 0hat is the safe ,/@hr rangeM
b. !s the ordered dose safe for a ,/@hr periodM
.. Irder: ?errous >ulfate 4 mg po tid.
'hild weighs . lbs. The safe dosage is
. 7- mg8Bg8,/ hrs.
a. 0hat is the safe ,/@hr rangeM
b. !s the ordered dose safe for a ,/@hr periodM
/. Irder: &anoxin 3 mcg po bid.
'hild weighs 2 lbs. The safe range is
$ 7 , mcg8Bg8,/ hrs.
a. 0hat is the safe ,/@hr rangeM
.4
&etSs try some practice problemsR These will
be a little bit different from what you have had
so far. They will require you to thinB about
what the question is asBing.
b. !s the ordered dose safe for a ,/@hr periodM
c. !f the medication is supplied "$ mcg8ml, how
many ml will you administer per dose
". Irder: (ilantin /$ mg po q 3 hr.
'hild weighs ,2 lb. The safe range is 37$ mg8Bg8,/ hr
a. 0hat is the safe ,/@hr rangeM
b. !s the dose safe for a ,/@hr periodM
c. !f the medication is supplied ," mg8" ml, how many
ml will you administer per doseM
-. Irder: 6rednisone "$ mg po bid.
'hild weighs , lb. The safe range is $."@/$ mg8Bg8,/hr
a. 0hat is the safe ,/@hr rangeM
b. !s the dose safe for a ,/@hr periodM
c. !f the medication is supplied " mg8ml, how many
ml will be required for a ,/ hour periodM
2. Irder: 'eclor 3$ mg po q 3 hr.
'hild weighs $ lb. The safe dose is " mg8Bg8dose.
a. 0hat is the safe dose for this childM
b. !s the ordered dose safeM
c. !f the medication is supplied ," mg8 " ml, how
many ml will you administerM
Answers:
. ./, ml
,. a. 2$." 7 ,$/.- mg b. no $$ % / * /$$ mg
.. a. 2.2. 7 ."./- mg b. yes 4 % . * ,2 mg
/. a. ..3 7 .3.- mcg b. yes 3 % , * .-mcg c.$..-ml
". a. 43.- 7 ,,.2 mg b. yes /$ % . *,$mg c. .-ml
-. a. /.23 @ .3, mg b. yes "$ % , * .$$mg c. -$ ml
2. a. -3.," mg b. no c. (onSt administer dose
/$
call )(
6lease see Aursing ?aculty if you need further homeworB.
UNI 7 1 Intra'enous Pre%aration 9it#
Clinical Calculations
!ntravenous fluids are used in health care settings to
rehydrate patients or to give medicines. 'alculation of !#
flow rates ensures that fluids do not infuse too fast, which
could overload the patient or too slowly, delaying
treatment. This unit will explain how to calculate and
administer !# fluids and medications. The topics to be
discussed include+ calculating flow rates for electronic and
manual !# flow regulators, calculating hourly !# heparin
dosages and calculating !# flow rates in order to administer
a specific concentration of a medication per minute or hour.
ELECRONIC I7 FLO" RE)ULAORS
5lectronic pumps are used in all health care settings. !n
some instances, it is mandatory policy to use these devises.
>uch is the case when administering narcotics, heparin or
various heart medications via continuous !# drip. !n
addition, very small amounts of fluid can be infused over
an extended period of time by using these electronic
pumps.
The Bey concept to memori8e about these electronic pumps
is that they are designed to infuse the !# fluid8medication
in milliliters %er #our <some of the newer pumps can be
set to administer tenths of a milliliter per hour=. The
physician will order the flow rate in milliliters <cc= per hour
or specify the amount of time necessary to infuse the !#
fluid8medication.
/
0hen the physician orders the specific ml per hour, the
nurse simply hangs the correct !# fluid8medication and sets
the pump to the ordered flow rate. There are AI
calculationsRRR
Powever, if the physician only specifies the duration of
time to taBe to infuse an amount of !# fluid8medication and
does not order ml per hour, the nurse must calculate the
flow rate. Dou will use ratio and proportion to calculate the
flow rate.
5xample: Irder: $$$ cc A> !# to infuse over 3 hrs.
3 hr : $$$ cc :: hr : % cc
3% * $$$
% * ," cc8hr This is the flow rateR

S#ortcut$ Actually all you have to do is divide the total
amount of fluid by the number of hours.
!f the infusion time is not in whole hours, you must
calculate using -$ minutes rather than hour.
5xample: Irder: Tofran $ mg in $$ cc A> !#6J q 3 hr.
!nfuse over .$ minutes.
.$ min : $$ cc :: -$ min : % cc
.$ % * -$$$
% * ,$$ cc8hr
The nurse sets the electronic pump to deliver ,$$ cc8hr and
after .$ minutes the $$ cc of medication would have been
infused.
/,
PereSs another example similar to the one above:
Irder: Ampicillin "$$ mg in $$ cc A> !#6J q 3 hr.
!nfuse over ,$ minutes.
,$ min : $$ cc :: -$ min : % cc
,$ % * -$$$
% * .$$ cc8hr
!n this example, the nurse sets the electronic pump to
deliver .$$ cc8hr, and after ,$ minutes the $$ cc of
medication would have been infused.
Note$ The mg of medication has nothing to do with
calculating the flow rate. (onSt be confused and try to use
this number in your calculationR
Practice Problems$
'alculate the flow rate when using an electronic pump:
. !nfuse "$$ cc A> over ,/ hours.
,. !nfuse$$$ cc ("0 over " hours.
.. !nfuse $$$ cc A> over $ hours.
/. !nfuse -$$ cc &R over . hours.
". !nfuse ,$$$ cc A> over ,/ hours.
-. !nfuse Tagamet .$$ mg !#6J mixed in $$ cc
A> over /" minutes.
2. !nfuse Lnasyn "$$ mg !#6J mixed in "$ cc A>
over $ minutes.
3. !nfuse Hytril ,$ mg !#6J mixed in 2" cc A>
over /" minutes.
4. !nfuse Ampicillin "$$ mg !#6J mixed in "$ cc A>
over .$ minutes.
$. !nfuse .$ cc of .C A> !#6J over " minutes.
Answers: . -. cc8hr ,. -2 cc8hr .. $$ cc8hr
/.
/. ,$$ cc8hr ". 3. cc8hr -. .. cc8hr 2. .$$ cc8hr
3. $$ cc8hr 4. $$ cc8hr $. ,$ cc8hr
6lease see Aursing ?aculty if you need further homeworB
MANUAL I7 FLO" RE)ULAORS
Aurses are using fewer and fewer manual !# flow
regulators to administer !# fluids8medications in the health
care setting. Another term used to describe these regulators
is gravity drip !# infusions. This describes how manual
flow regulators worB. The rate of infusion is dependant
upon the gravity of the bag of !# fluid8medication. The
rate of these infusions will always be calculated in
!ro%sAgttsB %er minute= <There will not be a pumpR=
!n order to calculate the accurate rate of infusion, the nurse
must Bnow the type of tubing or administration set to be
used. 5ach type of administration set has a drop chamber
with either a macro drop set that delivers $, " or ,$
drops per milliliter while the micro drop set always
delivers -$ drops per milliliter. This is referred to as the
drip factor. To prevent errors in calculating the infusion
rate, always checB the manufacturerSs label to verify the
drip factor of the administration set.
The nurse will have to manually regulate the flow of !#
fluid8medication when using the above administration sets.
There are two steps to this process. The first step is that the
nurse must calculate the drop rate, which will always be
gtts8min. The second step is that the nurse will adOust the
roller clamp on the !# tubing and count the drops to insure
accurate infusion. This type of infusion will have to be
monitored frequently because BinBed tubing or a change in
arm position can slow or increase the rate of flow.
There are various formulas to use to calculate the flow rates
for manual !# regulators. The following formula needs to
be memori8e!:
//
5xample: Irder: .$$$ cc A> !# over ,/ hrs.
(rip factor of tubing: " gtts8cc.
.$$$ cc % " gtts8cc /"$$$
,/ hr % -$ min * //$ * ..," * .gtts8min
This number will have to be rounded to a whole number
because a manual !# flow regulator cannot deliver a
portion of a drop.
!f the infusion time is less that one hour, you simply put
this amount of time as the denominator.

5xample: Irder Ampicillin "$$ mg !#6J in $$ cc A> to
infuse over .$ min. (rip factor: $ gtts8cc.
$$ cc % $ gtts8cc $$$
.$ min * .$ * ..... * ..gtts8min
5xample: Irder: #ancomycin gm !#6J in ,"$ cc A>
to infuse over hrs. (rip factor: ,$ gtts8cc.
,"$ cc % ,$ gtts8cc "$$$
." hr % -$ min * 4$ * ""."- * "-gtts8min
Practice Problems
(etermine the infusion rate for the following:
. Irder: $$$ cc A> to infuse in 3 hours.
(rip factor of administration set: " gtts8cc.
/"
Amount of fluid % (rip factor
Time <always in minutes=
,. Irder: $$$ cc A> to infuse in - hours.
(rip factor of administration set: ,$ gtts8cc.
.. Irder: $$$ cc A> to infuse in $ hours.
(rip factor of administration set: " gtts8cc.

/. Irder: "$$ cc A> to infuse in / hours.
(rip factor of administration set: " gtts8cc.
". Irder: 3" cc A> to infuse in hour.
Administration set is a micro set.
-. Irder: "$$ cc ("0 to infuse in $ hours.
(rip factor of administration set: " gtts8cc.
2. Irder: $$$ cc A> to infuse in 3 hours.
(rip factor of administration set: ,$ gtts8cc.
3. Irder: 6epcid /$ mg !#6J mixed in $$ cc A> to
infuse over .$ minutes. (rip factor: ,$ gtts8cc.
4. Irder: #ibramycin ,$$ mg !#6J mixed in $$ cc A>
to infuse over .$ minutes. (rip factor: $ gtts8cc.
$. Irder: (extran /$ mg !#6J in ,"$ cc to infuse
over /" minutes. (rip factor: " gtts8cc.
Answers:
. . gtts8min
,. "- gtts8min
.. ," gtts8min
/. . gtts8min
". 3" gtts8min
-. .3 gtts8min
2. /, gtts8min
3. -2 gtts8min
4. .. gtts8min
$. 3. gtts8min
/-
6lease see Aursing ?aculty if you need further homeworB.
CALCULAIN) 2OURL3 I7 2EPARIN DOSA)ES
The administration of continuous !# heparin is a common
practice in the hospital setting. !t is vital that the nurse
Bnow how to calculate an accurate infusion rate since the
margin is very small and can easily result in death. !#
heparin will always be administered via an electronic
pump, thus it will be calculated in milliliters per hour. The
dosage of heparin is measured in units. Ratio and
proportion are used to calculate the dosage.
5xample: Irder: Peparin 3$$ units8hr via continuous !#
infusion. )edication comes mixed from
pharmacy: Peparin ,",$$$ units in ,"$ml A>.
,",$$$ units : ,"$ cc :: 3$$ units : % ml
,",$$$ % * ,$$,$$$
% * ,$$,$$$ * 3 ml8hr
,",$$$
5xample: Irder: Peparin ,$$ units8hr via continuous !#
infusion. )edication comes mixed from
pharmacy: Peparin $,$$$ units in ,"$ ml A>.
$,$$$ units : ,"$ cc :: ,$$ units : % ml
$,$$$ % * .$$,$$$
% * .$ ml8hr
/2
Remember, you can checB your answer to verify it is
correct: <multiply outside USs and they will * inside USs=
$,$$$ % .$ * .$$,$$$
,"$ % ,$$ * .$$,$$$
Practice Problems
(etermine the flow rate <ml8hr= for the following:
. Irder: Peparin "$$ units per hr via !# infusion .
)edication comes mixed from pharmacy:
Peparin ,",$$$ units in ,"$ cc A>.
,. Irder: Peparin 3$$ units per hr via !# infusion.
)edication comes mixed from pharmacy:
Peparin ,$,$$$ units in ,"$ cc A>.
.. Irder: Peparin ,$$ units per hr via !# infusion.
)edication comes mixed from pharmacy:
Peparin ,",$$$ units in ,$$ cc A>.
/. Irder: Peparin 3$$ units per hr via !# infusion.
)edication comes mixed from pharmacy:
Peparin ,$,$$$ units in $$ cc A>.
". Irder: Peparin $$$ units per hr via !# infusion.
)edication comes mixed from pharmacy:
Peparin ,$,$$$ units in "$ cc A>.
-. Irder: Peparin $$ units per hr via !# infusion.
)edication comes mixed from pharmacy:
Peparin $,$$$ units in $$ cc A>.
Answers:
. " cc8hr
,. ,,." or ,. cc8hr
.. 4.- or $ cc8hr
/3
/. / cc8hr
". 2." or 3 cc8hr
-. cc8hr
6lease see Aursing ?aculty if you need further homeworB.
I7 ADMINISRAION B3 CONCENRAION
Lsually !# fluids8medications are ordered to be infused at a
certain rate or time period as has already been taught.
Powever, some !#Ss, especially in the critical care areas,
are ordered to be administered with a specific concentration
of the medication per hour, per minute or per milliliter.
This is a difficult calculation to master, but if you will learn
the basic steps of the calculation, and thinB about what the
problem is asBing, you will have no problemsR
Jelow are the basic steps to these types of problems.
Remember, you may not have to use all of the steps for
each problem.
Ste% >$ 'onvert pounds to Bilograms.
Ste% <$ (etermine the correct dosage based on the
patients weight <in Bilograms=
Ste% @$ 'onvert the ordered unit to the unit you have
on hand.
Ste% *$ 'alculate the U of cc8min to administer.
Ste% 0$ 'alculate the U of cc8hr to administer. <This
usually has to be done because these medications
are administered via electronic pump.=
/4
RememberC &ou ma& not al9a&s #a'e to go t#roug# all 0
ste%s= #ink t#roug# t#e %roblem an! !etermine t#e
ste%s nee!e!DDD
5xample: Irder: Jretylol "mcg8Bg8min. )edication
comes mixed $.$" g in "$ cc A>.
6atients weight is 32 lbs.
Ste% >$ 'onvert lbs to Bg
,., lb : Bg :: 32 lb : % Bg
% * 3" Bg
Ste% <$ (etermine the correct dosage based on pts weight

Bg : " mcg :: 3" Bg : % Bg
% * /," mcg
Ste% @$ 'onvert the ordered unit to the unit on hand.

g : ,$$$,$$$ mcg :: $.$" g : % mg
% * "$,$$$mcg <there are "$,$$$ mcg in "$ cc A>=
Ste% *$ 'alculate the U of cc8min to administer.

"$,$$$ mcg : "$ cc :: /," mcg : % cc
% * $./," cc8min
Ste% 0$ 'alculate the U of cc8hr to administer.
min : $./," cc :: -$ min : % cc
"$
% * ,"." cc8hr or ,- cc8hr
Remember, some newer pumps can administer
fluids to the tenth of a cc. The nurse must be
familiar with the equipment and Bnow whether
to set the pump at ,"." cc8hr or ,- cc8hr.

5xample: Irder: Aitroprusside "$ mg in "$$ cc ("0
at "$ mcg8min. >et the pump at1111cc8hrM
Ste% >$ 'onvert to Bilograms. 7 AIT A55(5(RRR
Ste% <$ (etermine the correct dosage based on the
patients weight. @ AIT A55(5( RRR
Ste% @$ 'onvert the ordered unit to the unit on hand.
mg : $$$ mcg :: "$ mg : % mcg
% * "$,$$$ mcg <"$,$$$ mcg in "$$ cc ("0=
Ste% *$ 'alculate the U of cc8min to administer.
"$,$$$ mcg : "$$ cc :: "$ mcg : % cc
% * $." cc8min
Ste% 0$ 'alculate the U of cc8hr to administer.
min : $." cc :: -$ min : % cc
% * .$ cc8hr
Practice Problems
(etermine the rate AccE#rB for the following:
. Irder: Administer 'leocin !# at a rate of $ mg8min.
Available: 'leocin 4$$ mg in $$ cc A>.
,. Irder: Administer $ m5q H'l per hour via !#.
"
Available: "$ m5q H'l in $$ cc ("0.
<Pint: this is already in cc8hr, you will not need to
do step /=
.. Irder: Administer (iuril at a rate of " mg8min.
Available: (iuril ."$ mg in "$ cc A>.
/. Irder: !suprel " mcg8min !#.
Available: !suprel , mg in "$$ cc A>.
". Irder: &idocanine , mg8min !#.
Available: &idocaine g in ,"$ cc ("0.
-. Irder: Aitrostat !# $ mcg8min.
Available: Aitrostat 3 mg in ,"$ cc A>.
2. Irder: Aipride !# $." mcg8Bg8min. 6t. weight * ," lb.
Available: Aipride $mg in $$ ml ("0.
3. Irder: (obutrex - mcg8Bg8min. 6t. weight * "$ Bg.
Available: (obutrex ,"$ mg in ,"$ cc A>.
4. Irder: !ntropin " mcg8Bg8min. 6t. weight * ., lb.
Available: !ntropin ,$$ mg in ,"$ cc A>.
$. Irder: Aminophylline $." mg8Bg8hr. 6t weight *"/ lb
Available: Aminophylline "$$ mg in $$$ cc ("0.
6lease see Aursing ?aculty if you need further homeworB.
Bonus Problem$ >ee if you can use what you have learned
to solve this problem.
",
!ntropin is infusing at ,"cc8hr. The concentration of
!ntropin is ,$$ mg in ,"$ cc ("0. The patientSs weight is
/. lb. 0hat is the mcg8Bg8min the patient is receivingM
<Dou basically have to worB bacBwards through the steps.=
Answers: !f you need further instruction of how to arrive at
the answer, please contact one of the Aursing ?aculty.
. 4$$ mg : $$ cc :: $ mg : %cc
% * . cc8min <you determined cc8min=
min : . cc :: -$ min : % cc
- 5 FF=F or F/ ccE#r <you determined cc8hr=
,. "$ m5q : $$ cc :: $ m5q : % cc
- 5 <+ ccE#r <the question was already in cc8hr=
.. ."$ mg : "$ cc :: " mg : %
% * ,./ cc8min
min : ,./ cc :: -$ min : % cc
- 5 ><G=* or ><G ccE#r
/. $$$ mcg : mg :: " mcg : % mg
% * $.$$" mg <you converted to liBe units=
, mg : "$$ cc :: $.$$" mg : % cc
% * .," cc8min
min : .," cc :: -$ min : % cc
- 5 /0 ccE#r
". $$$ mg : gm :: , mg : % gm
".
% * $.$$, gm <you converted to liBe units=
gm : ,"$ cc :: $.$$, gm : % cc
% * $." cc8min
min : $." cc :: -$ min : % cc
- 5 @+ ccE#r
-. $$$ mcg : mg :: $ mcg : % mg
% * $.$ mg <you converted to liBe units=

3 mg : ,"$ cc :: $.$ mg : % cc
% * $..," cc8min
min : $..," cc :: -$ min : % cc
- 5 >G=G or >H ccE#r

2. ,., lb : Bg :: ," lb : % Bg
% * "-.3, Bg
Bg : $." mcg :: "-.3, Bg : % mcg
% * ,3./ mcg <this is the correct dosage based on Bg=
$$$ mcg : mg :: ,3./ mcg : % mg
% * $.$,3/ mg <you converted to liBe units=
$ mg : $$ cc :: $.$,3/ mg : % cc
% * $.,3/ cc8min
min : $.,3/ cc :: -$ min : % cc
- 5 >/=+* 5 >/ ccE#r
3. Bg : - mcg :: "$ Bg : % mcg
% * .$$ mcg <this is the correct dosage based on Bg=
$$$ mcg : mg :: .$$ mcg : % mg
% * $.. mg <you converted to liBe units=
"/
,"$ mg : ,"$ cc :: $.. mg : % cc
% * $.. cc8min
min : $.. cc :: -$ min : % cc
- 5 >G ccE#r
4. 'onvert lb to Bg * -$ Bg

Bg : " mcg :: -$ Bg : % mcg
% * .$$ mcg <this is the correct dosage based on Bg=
$$$ mcg : mg :: .$$ mcg : % mg
% * $.. mg <you converted to liBe units=
,$$ mg : ,"$ cc :: $.. mg : % cc
% * $..2" cc8min
min : $..2" cc :: -$ min : % cc
- 5 <<=0 or <@ ccE#r
$. 'onvert lb to Bg * 2$ Bg
Bg : $." mg :: 2$ Bg : % mg
% * ." mg <this is the correct dosage based on Bg=
"$$ mg : $$$ cc :: ." mg : % cc
- 5 /+ ccE#r <the order was written per hr=
Bonus 6uestion$
'onvert lb to Bg * -" Bg
mg : $$$ mcg :: ,$$ mg : % mcg
% * ,$$$,$$$ mcg <you converted to liBe units=
,"$ cc : ,$$,$$$ mcg :: ," cc : % mcg
""
% * ,$,$$$ mcg <you determined mcg8hr=
-$ min : ,$,$$$ mcg :: min : % mcg
% * ...... mcg <you determined mcg8min=
-" Bg : ...... mcg : Bg : % mcg
% * ".,3 * 0=>@ mcgEkgEmin
References:
'raig, G.6. <,$$=. 'linical calculations made easy. <,
nd
ed.=. &ippincott: 6hiladelphia.
Pegstad, &. A. and PayeB, 0. <,$$=. 5ssential drug
dosage calculations. </
th
ed.=. 6rentice@Pall, !nc. : Lpper
>addle River, Aew Versey.
Vanney, '. and ?lahive, V. <,$$=. 'alculation of drug
dosages. <-
th
ed.=. T. V. (esigns: >an &uis Ibispo, 'A.
>mith, 6. &. and Iffutt, >. A. Jasic calculation for
nurses 7 )odule @". Lniversity of Tennessee, Hnoxville.
0ritten Jy: Tammy R. (ean R.A., ).>.A.
"-
GR5AT VIJRRR
Assistant 6rofessor of Aursing
&incoln )emorial Lniversity
Vuly ,$$
Revised Vuly ,$$,
"2