Pharmacology, Dosage Calculations Exam
Study Guide.
Ratios - answer✔comparisons between two things
proportion - answer✔statement saying those two ratios are equal
formula - answer✔rule prescribing how to calculate a dosage
dimensional analysis - answer✔method based on the premise that any number can be
multiplied by one without changing its value
fraction method - answer✔uses two equivalent proportions to find the answer
drug dose calculation:step 1: - answer✔conversion of numbers to the same unit of measurement
drug dose calculation: step 2: - answer✔using the preferred method, write the problem on
paper; check again to confirm that your calculations are correct
4 methods by which to calculate drug dosages for nonparenteral (oral) route of administration: -
answer✔1. ratio and proportion method
2. formulation method
3. dimensional analysis
4. fractions
nonparenteral - answer✔oral
drug quantities can be in: - answer✔tablets, capsules, milliliters, or another unit, and each label
has its own equivalents
sample drug label should include 8 things: - answer✔1. brand name (trade)
2. generic name
3: drug strength
4 drug form, route of administration if other than oral, total amount of medication in the
container, directions for reconstitution if necessary
Ratio and proportion method: - answer✔uses ratios, which are comparisons between two
objects (numbers in this case) like 4 pieces of pepperoni pizza and 3 pieces of cheese pizza are
4:3::8:6 or 4/3 = 8/6. Medication order is for 400 mg. Available medication is 300 mg in 1mL.
300 mg/1mL = 400 mg/?mL
Formulation method: - answer✔involves stacking units that are the same and multiplying by
the unit requested.
desired dose: - answer✔equals the dosage that has been ordered or ordered dose
available dose - answer✔the dosage on hand
D = ? H = ? Q = ? - answer✔D = desired Dose
H = on hand or available amount in ordered units
Q = quantity in units given
dimensional analysis: - answer✔uses the ordered amount of a drug to multiply with two equal
quantities in different dimensions (units of measurement) to derive the answer
dimensional analysis steps: - answer✔step 1: write the units of the dose ordered
step 2: write the units that are on the label and the unit that you plan to give the patient
Mg (ordered) x ____ mL
_______________________ = mL (desired)
Mg for label (ordered)
conversion factor: - answer✔formula to change from one unit of measurement to another
fraction method: - answer✔dosage on hand desired dose
________________ = _______________
dosage unit dose given
special calculations include: - answer✔pediatric and geriatric patients; their bodies are either
immature (pediatric) or weakened by the aging process (geriatric)
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