Medication Calculations Review

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terminology and concepts in medication calculations essential for nursing practice.

Medication Calculation Exam

An assessment that ensures students achieve a minimum score to proceed with clinical courses.

Dimensional Analysis

A technique for converting and manipulating units to solve problems involving measurements.

Conversion Factor

A number used to change one set of units to another by multiplying or dividing, such as 1000 mg = 1 g.

Rounding

Adjusting a number to a specified degree of accuracy, such as to the nearest tenth or hundredth.

Whole Number Documentation

Writing whole numbers without a decimal point, for example, 5 mL instead of 5.0 mL.

Microgram (mcg)

One-millionth of a gram; used to measure very small doses of medication.

Milligram (mg)

One-thousandth of a gram; commonly used in medication dosages.

Kilogram (kg)

Equivalent to 1000 grams; a unit of mass used in medication dosages.

Fluid Ounce (fl. oz)

A unit of volume equivalent to approximately 30 mL.

Teaspoon (tsp)

A unit of volume equal to 5 milliliters.

Tablespoon (tbsp)

A unit of volume equal to 15 milliliters.

Decimal Documentation

Using a zero before a decimal for values less than one, for example, 0.5 not .5.

IV Infusion Rate

The speed at which intravenous fluids or medications are administered, typically measured in mL/hr.

Drop Factor

The number of drops per mL provided by the IV tubing, crucial for calculating infusion rates.

BID

Twice a day, often used in medication administration schedules.

TID

Three times a day, frequently used in prescribing medication.

QID

Four times a day, used in medication administration.

PRN

As needed, indicating that a medication should be taken only when required.

PO

By mouth, referring to medications administered orally.

IM

Intramuscular, indicating that a medication is administered into a muscle.

Subcut.

Subcutaneous, referring to injections given under the skin.

IV

Intravenous, indicating that a medication is administered directly into a vein.

Hourly Rate Calculation

A method for calculating how many milliliters per hour an IV should be set to deliver.

Microdrip

Refers to IV tubing with a drop factor of 60 drops/mL, used for precise fluid delivery.

Macrodrip

Refers to IV tubing with a drop factor of 10 drops/mL, used for larger volumes of fluid.

Ticket to Enter

A prerequisite packet of practice questions students must complete to attempt certain exams.

Remediation

Required review or studies between exam attempts to improve understanding and performance.

Medication Administration Record (MAR)

A document that records all medications administered to a patient.

Safe Documentation Standards

Guidelines for proper writing of medication dosages and instructions to ensure accuracy.

Conversion for Weight

The process of converting a patient’s weight from pounds to kilograms for medication calculations.

Medication Orders

Prescriptions that specify the medication name, dose, route, and frequency.

Calculating Dosages

The mathematical process used to determine the correct amount of medication to be administered.

Abbreviation Guidelines

Standards for using abbreviations in medication and health documentation to avoid errors.

Error-Prone Abbreviations

Abbreviations that can lead to confusion or mistakes in medication administration.

Infusion Rate

The administration speed of fluids or medications delivered intravenously.

Patient Weight Conversion

The method of converting weight in pounds to kilograms by dividing by 2.2.

By Mouth (PO)

The route of administration for medications taken orally.

Correction Factors

Additional multipliers or divisors used in calculations to adjust for specific variables.

Medications per dose calculation

A computation to determine how many tablets or mL are needed per dosage.

IV setup - Sterile Technique

A method of preparing and administering IV therapy while preventing contamination.

Common Conversion for Dilutions

A necessary calculation for understanding concentrations, e.g., mg per mL.

Continuous IV Infusion

An ongoing delivery of medications or fluids through an IV line.

Documentation Errors

Mistakes in recording medications, dosages, or administration times, which can lead to adverse effects.

Patient Safety Standards

Practices and protocols established to ensure the safety and well-being of patients during medication delivery.

Nursing Responsibilities in Medication Administration

The duties nurses uphold to ensure accurate, safe administration of medications.

Clinical Calculations Skills

Mathematical abilities necessary for determining dosages, flow rates, and conversions in clinical settings.

Patient Assessment for Medication Administration

The process of evaluating a patient's condition before administering medication.

Clinical Guidelines for Medication Management

Standards and protocols that guide healthcare providers in safely administering medications.

Patient Education on Medications

Instructing patients about their medications, including purposes, dosing, and side effects.