Medication Administration

Medical MathematicsMedical MathematicsPart 3Part 3

Part Three Topics

Metric system conversions Systems of measure Medical calculations

Metric System

Three fundamental units Grams—Mass Meters—Distance Liters—Volume

Conversion Between Prefixes

Medical Calculations

Specific quantity of medicationneeded.

Most doses expressed as weight: Grams. Milligrams. Micrograms.

May be standard or based on bodyweight.

Desired Dose

Dosage and Volume on Hand

The amount of drug available ina solution.

Concentration is the weight pervolume.

Calculating Medication Doses

Volume to be Administered =

volume on hand (desired dose)

dosage on hand

Calculating Infusion Rates

Medicated Infusions

Drops/minute=

Volume on hand x drip factor x desired doseDosage on hand

Fluid Volume Over Time

drops/minute =

Volume to be administered (drip factor)Time in minutes

Calculating Infusion Rates

Dosage and Infusion Rates in Pediatric

PatientsExact flow rates are critical in pediatric

patients since they cannot tolerate over- or under doses.

Part Three Summary

Metric system conversions Systems of measure Medical calculations