Dose Calculations

Q. What is a dose?

The quantity of medication taken by a patient for an intended therapeutic effect.

Q. What is a single dose?

The quantity of medication taken at one time.

Q. What is a daily dose?

The quantity of medication taken during one 24-hour period.

Q. What is a total dose?

The quantity of medication taken during the entire course of therapy.

Q. What is a loading dose?

A larger than usual initial amount of medication intended to rapidly raise the blood drug level to a therapeutic level.

Q. What is a dosage regimen?

The schedule on which the patient is intended to take prescribed medications.

Q. What is the usual dosage range?

The quantity of medication that may be prescribed within the guidelines of usual medical practice.

Q. How can usual dosage ranges vary?

They may be broken down into specific patient populations, such as adults, pediatrics, and patients with renal disease.

Q. What is one primary responsibility of a pharmacist regarding dose calculations?

Verify that ordered medications fall within the usual dosage range and have a typical dosage regimen.

Q. What should a pharmacist do if a medication order falls outside acceptable dosage ranges?

Consult the prescriber to clarify the dose.

Q. Why may drug dose calculations need to be altered?

Depending on the route of administration.

Q. What tools should be used to measure and administer oral liquid medications?

Pharmaceutical-grade tools, such as oral syringes or medication cups.

Q. Why are household spoons inappropriate for measuring medication doses?

Their sizes are not standardized.

Q. What does gtt represent?

Drop.

Q. Where are drops commonly used?

Liquid medications intended for conjunctival use or oral liquids for pediatric patients.

Q. According to the textbook, what is the stated standard accepted volume of one drop?

15 to 20 mL. (Verify this with your instructor because it appears to be a textbook typo.)