Browse all modules

Med safe: A quick revision of medication calculations

CPD Hours

0.5

Category

Medications
Clinical practice and procedures
All Modules

Overview

Drug calculations are an essential nursing skill. Regular practice and self-testing is required to help reinforce knowledge and prevent medication errors.

This module is part of our short module series, designed to provide a brief overview of the subject matter.

This module is on drug calculations for three types of medications: oral tablets, mixtures and solutions, and intravenous medications. As a refresher, it offers a step-by-step guide for how to undertake calculations.

You will have the opportunity to test your knowledge with the problems and solutions offered throughout.

Learning Objective

At the end of this module participants will be able to:

  • Understand the formulas required to complete medication calculations for three types of medications: oral tablets, mixtures and solutions, and intravenous medications.
  • Calculate the number of oral tablets required when the prescribed dose and stock strength of a medication are known.
  • Determine the amount of a solution to administer when the prescribed dose, stock volume, and stock strength are known.
  • Calculate the infusion rate or drip rate based on the volume of medication to be given in a set period of time.
  • Understand how to determine the amount of medication to administer when weight based dosing is required.

Other modules to explore