4 Dosage Calculations & Safety

Formula Method for Dosage Calculation

Dose desired (ordered) / Dose on hand × Quantity on hand (volume) = Desired quantity

Pediatric Dosing Format

mg/kg/day or mg/kg/dose

Pound to Kilogram Conversion

1 kg = 2.2 lbs; divide pounds by 2.2 to get kg

Kilogram to Pound Conversion

Multiply kilograms by 2.2 to get pounds

Pediatric Dosing Steps

(1) Convert pounds to kilograms, (2) Calculate dose in milligrams, (3) Divide by number of doses per day, (4) Calculate dose based on concentration of medication

Verifying Safe Dose - Range Method

Convert weight to kg; calculate weight-based recommended dose for lowest and highest range; compare recommended dose with ordered dose; ordered dose equal to or less than recommended is safe

Verifying Safe Total Daily Dose

Divide total daily dose by number of individual doses in 24 hours; then compare with medication order to determine if dose is safe

Standard Recommended Dosage Range

RN verifies ordered dose is within dosage range; if within range, considered safe

Injection Safety Considerations

Wear gloves; never recap used needle; dispose immediately in sharps container; consider pain, fear, and privacy