4 Pediatric Medication Safety Free Online FlashCards

What weight should be used for pediatric weight-based dosing?

Use a current, measured weight in kilograms; do not estimate or confuse pounds with kilograms. Approximately $1\text{ kg} = 2.2\text{ lb}$.

How do mg/kg per dose and mg/kg per day differ?

mg/kg per dose gives the amount for each administration. mg/kg per day gives the total amount for the whole day; divide it into doses only as directed.

At 120 mg per 5 mL, what volume contains 180 mg?

The concentration is $120\text{ mg} \div 5\text{ mL} = 24\text{ mg/mL}$. A 180 mg dose is $180\text{ mg} \div 24\text{ mg/mL} = 7.5\text{ mL}$.

What limit must be checked after calculating a weight-based dose?

Check the calculated dose against the prescribed range and maximum dose, as well as the ordered route and schedule. A weight-based calculation must not exceed the applicable limit.

What should you do with an unclear or potentially unsafe medication order?

Clarify it with the prescriber or pharmacist before giving the medicine. For high-risk medicines, follow policy for an independent second check.

How should caregivers measure oral liquid medicines?

Measure in mL with the correct marked oral syringe or dosing device. Do not use a household spoon or a device supplied with a different medicine.

What should be checked before altering a medication formulation?

Use only the ordered route and formulation. Check medicine-specific instructions before crushing, splitting, mixing, or diluting a product; ask a pharmacist if unsure.

How should doses below 1 and whole-number doses be written safely?

Use a leading zero for doses below 1, such as 0.5 mg, and avoid trailing zeros: write 5 mg, not 5.0 mg.

Should a vomited or missed pediatric dose automatically be repeated?

Seek medicine-specific guidance rather than automatically repeating the dose. A missed, vomited, spilled, or refused dose may require different advice depending on the medicine.

How can teach-back confirm a caregiver understands medication instructions?

Demonstrate how to use the device, then ask the caregiver to show the technique and explain the schedule in their own words. Provide written instructions as well.

How can caregivers reduce accidental duplicate medication doses?

Check the active ingredients in all medicines to avoid giving the same ingredient in more than one product.

How should medicines be stored to reduce accidental ingestion?

Keep medicines in their original, child-resistant containers, secured out of children’s sight and reach. Never describe medicine as candy.