5 Weight-Based Dosage Calculations Free Online FlashCards

How do you convert pounds to kilograms?

Convert pounds to kilograms using $\text{kg}=\frac{\text{lb}}{2.2}$.

How do you calculate a weight-based dose?

Multiply weight in kilograms by the ordered dose per kilogram: $\text{dose (mg)}=\text{weight (kg)}\times\text{ordered dose (mg/kg)}$.

How should you handle a per-dose maximum?

Compare the calculated dose with the per-dose maximum. If it exceeds that limit, use the stated cap as directed.

What does a daily maximum limit?

A daily maximum limits the total dose for the whole day, not each administration. Apply the daily cap before dividing the dose.

How do per-dose and daily maximums differ?

A per-dose maximum applies to one administration; a daily maximum applies to the total for the day. They are not interchangeable.

How do you convert a dose to a liquid volume?

Divide the dose needed in milligrams by the concentration in milligrams per milliliter: $\text{volume (mL)}=\frac{\text{dose needed (mg)}}{\text{concentration (mg/mL)}}$.

What is the calculation sequence for a weight-based infusion?

First calculate the dose per minute from weight, then apply any rate limit. Use the concentration to find mL per minute, then convert to mL per hour.

How many micrograms are in one milligram?

Convert milligrams to micrograms by multiplying by $1{,}000$: $1\text{ mg}=1{,}000\text{ mcg}$.

How do you convert mL per minute to mL per hour?

Multiply the rate in milliliters per minute by $60$ to convert it to milliliters per hour.

How many daily doses are given every 8 hours?

Every 8 hours means three administrations in a 24-hour day, so divide the capped daily dose by $3$ to find each dose.

How should liquid volumes be rounded in these exercises?

For these exercises, round calculated liquid volumes to the nearest hundredth of a milliliter.

How do you check a dose against a weight-based range?

Calculate the lower and upper doses from the patient's weight and the stated range, then check the absolute maximum as well.