Critical Care Dosage Calculations

Critical Care Dosage Calculations: A Comprehensive Guide for Healthcare Professionals

Introduction:

In the high-stakes world of critical care, accurate and timely medication dosage calculations are paramount. A single miscalculation can have devastating consequences for a critically ill patient. This comprehensive guide is designed for healthcare professionals, providing a deep dive into the intricacies of critical care dosage calculations. We'll explore essential formulas, common pitfalls, practical strategies, and technological aids to ensure accuracy and patient safety. This post will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to confidently and efficiently calculate dosages in even the most complex critical care scenarios.


1. Understanding the Unique Challenges of Critical Care Dosage Calculations:

Critical care presents unique challenges compared to other medical specialties. Patients are often hemodynamically unstable, suffering from multiple organ dysfunction, and receiving complex treatment regimens. This necessitates precise dosage adjustments based on constantly changing physiological parameters. Factors influencing dosage calculations in critical care include:

Rapidly fluctuating physiological parameters: Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and organ function can change dramatically in short periods.
Multiple drug interactions: Critically ill patients frequently receive numerous medications simultaneously, increasing the risk of interactions.
Impaired organ function: Kidney and liver dysfunction significantly impacts drug metabolism and elimination, requiring dosage adjustments.
Weight-based dosing: Many critical care medications are weight-based, demanding precise weight measurements and calculations.
Patient-specific factors: Age, comorbidities, and individual patient responses further complicate dosing decisions.

2. Essential Formulas and Calculations:

Mastering several key formulas is crucial for accurate critical care dosage calculations. These include:

Body surface area (BSA) calculations: BSA is essential for calculating dosages of certain chemotherapeutic agents and other medications. The Du Bois formula (BSA = 0.007184 x weight^0.425 x height^0.725) is commonly used. Remember to use consistent units (kg for weight, cm for height).
Weight-based dosing: Many medications are dosed based on the patient's weight in kilograms (mg/kg). Accurate weight measurement is critical.
Loading dose and maintenance dose calculations: Loading doses deliver a rapid initial concentration, while maintenance doses sustain therapeutic levels.
Infusion rate calculations: Calculating infusion rates for intravenous medications requires understanding the desired dose, concentration, and infusion time. The formula: Infusion rate (mL/hr) = (Dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL)) x Volume (mL) / Time (hr) is fundamental.
Titration calculations: Titration involves adjusting medication dosages based on the patient's response. This requires careful monitoring and frequent recalculation.

3. Avoiding Common Errors in Critical Care Dosage Calculations:

Human error is a significant source of medication errors. To mitigate this risk, consider the following:

Double-checking calculations: Always verify calculations with a colleague or using a different method.
Utilizing medication calculation tools: Numerous apps and software programs are available to assist with calculations, reducing the risk of manual errors.
Using standardized units: Maintaining consistency in units (e.g., kg, mg, mL) is vital to avoid errors.
Careful medication administration: Double-check medication labels and patient identifiers before administration.
Thorough documentation: Meticulously document all medication calculations and administrations.

4. Advanced Concepts in Critical Care Dosage Calculations:

Beyond basic formulas, understanding advanced concepts is crucial:

Pharmacokinetic principles: Knowledge of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) is essential for accurate dosage adjustments.
Pharmacodynamic principles: Understanding drug-receptor interactions and their effects on the body is critical for tailoring treatment.
Population pharmacokinetics: This approach uses statistical models to predict drug concentrations in specific patient populations.
Bayesian methods: These advanced statistical techniques allow for iterative dosage adjustments based on individual patient responses.

5. Technological Aids for Critical Care Dosage Calculations:

Several technologies streamline and enhance the accuracy of dosage calculations:

Electronic health records (EHRs): EHRs can integrate dosage calculation tools and provide alerts for potential errors.
Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs): CDSSs can provide real-time guidance on appropriate dosages based on patient-specific data.
Smart infusion pumps: Smart pumps have built-in safety features that prevent medication errors.
Bar code medication administration (BCMA): BCMA systems verify medication and patient identity, reducing the risk of errors.

6. Continuous Learning and Professional Development:

Maintaining proficiency in critical care dosage calculations requires ongoing learning. Regularly review guidelines, participate in continuing education programs, and stay updated on the latest advances in pharmacotherapy.


7. Case Studies and Practical Applications:

Analyzing real-world case studies is invaluable in consolidating theoretical knowledge and developing practical problem-solving skills. These scenarios will showcase how to apply the discussed formulas and techniques in varied critical care contexts.


8. Legal and Ethical Considerations:

Healthcare professionals have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure accurate medication administration. Understanding relevant legislation and professional guidelines is critical.



Sample Article Outline: "Mastering Critical Care Dosage Calculations"

Introduction: The importance of accurate dosage calculations in critical care.
Chapter 1: Understanding physiological variability and its impact on drug responses.
Chapter 2: Essential formulas and their practical applications (BSA, weight-based dosing, infusion rate calculations).
Chapter 3: Common pitfalls and strategies to avoid medication errors.
Chapter 4: Advanced concepts: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and population pharmacokinetics.
Chapter 5: Utilizing technology for improved accuracy (EHRs, CDSSs, smart pumps).
Chapter 6: Case studies illustrating practical applications of learned concepts.
Chapter 7: Legal and ethical implications of medication errors in critical care.
Conclusion: Recap of key takeaways and emphasis on continuous learning.


(Detailed Article Content would expand on each point in the above outline, providing in-depth explanations, examples, and practical exercises. Due to the extensive nature of the topic, this detailed content is beyond the scope of this response. The outline above provides a strong framework for a 1500+ word article.)


FAQs:

1. What is the most common mistake made in critical care dosage calculations? Failing to account for changes in renal or hepatic function.
2. How can I improve my accuracy in calculating infusion rates? Use a formula and double-check your work; consider using a calculation aid.
3. What are some common resources for critical care dosage calculation guidelines? Professional organizations (e.g., ACCP, ASHP) and reputable medical textbooks.
4. What is the role of technology in preventing medication errors? EHRs, CDSSs, and smart pumps help to automate calculations and provide alerts.
5. How can I stay updated on changes in critical care pharmacotherapy? Through continuing education and professional journals.
6. What should I do if I discover a dosage calculation error? Immediately report it to your supervisor and implement corrective actions.
7. What are the legal ramifications of a medication error in critical care? Potential lawsuits, disciplinary actions, and loss of license.
8. How can I best utilize weight-based dosing formulas? Ensure accurate weight measurement and understand the specific formula for the medication.
9. What resources are available to assist with BSA calculations? Nomograms and online calculators are readily available.


Related Articles:

1. Weight-Based Dosing in Pediatrics: Explores the nuances of weight-based dosing in children.
2. Pharmacokinetics in Critical Illness: A deep dive into the impact of critical illness on drug metabolism.
3. Clinical Decision Support Systems in Critical Care: Examines the role of CDSSs in enhancing medication safety.
4. Medication Reconciliation in Critical Care: Focuses on the importance of accurate medication reconciliation.
5. Preventing Medication Errors in the ICU: A comprehensive guide to reducing medication errors in the ICU setting.
6. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Medications: Covers the calculations and administration of medications during ACLS.
7. Understanding Drug Interactions in Critical Care: Discusses the complexities of drug interactions in critically ill patients.
8. The Role of Pharmacists in Critical Care Medication Management: Highlights the crucial role of pharmacists in ensuring medication safety.
9. Using Nomograms for Dosage Calculations: A detailed guide to using nomograms for BSA and other calculations.


  critical care dosage calculations: Dosage Calculations Made Incredibly Easy! Springhouse, 2002 This entertaining guide is now more fun, more up-to-date, and even easier to use -- an indispensable resource for nurses who want to take the stress out of dosage calculations. New to this edition are a chapter on dimensional analysis; numerous lighthearted learning aids called Cheat Sheets; and Practice Makes Perfect -- case study questions and answers that let nurses assess their progress. Contents include math basics; measurement systems; drug orders and administration records; calculating oral, topical, and rectal drug dosages; calculating parenteral injections and I.V. infusions; and calculating pediatric, obstetric, and critical care dosages.
  critical care dosage calculations: Dosage Calculations Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009 Dosage Calculations: An Incredibly Easy! Workout features over 250 enjoyable practice exercises to help readers master dosage calculations with ease. A perfect companion to Dosage Calculations Made Incredibly Easy!, this workbook uses the light-hearted Incredibly Easy! writing style that makes learning and reviewing complex information less threatening and more fun. Chapters test the reader's knowledge of essential calculation information including math basics, measurement systems, recording drug administration, oral, topical, and rectal drugs, parenteral drugs, I.V. infusions, and special calculations. Readers maneuver through practice exercises that assess learning, encourage comprehension and retention, and provide a little laughter. Nurse Joy and other host characters offer coaching and encouragement.
  critical care dosage calculations: Medical Dosage Calculations For Dummies Richard Snyder, Barry Schoenborn, 2011-05-09 Score your highest in a medical dosage calculations course A recent shortage of nurses in a society with an aging population has triggered the demand for students to enter the field of medical study. A dosage calculations course is required for most students earning an applied science degree in nursing, pharmacology, or paramedic programs. Medical Dosage Calculations For Dummies tracks a typical dosage calculations course and provides helpful content in an approachable and easy-to-understand format. Plus, you'll get examples of the various calculations made to determine the appropriate quantity of drug or solution that should be administered to patients. Calculating drug dosages utilizing ratio-proportion, formula, and dimensional analysis Systems of measurement, including metric and apothecary and other conversion equivalents for a global audience The ins and outs of the charting systems for MAR (Medicine Administration Records) If you're one of the hundreds of thousands of students aspiring to enter the medical field, Medical Dosage Calculations For Dummies is your ticket for scoring your highest on exams.
  critical care dosage calculations: Clinical Dosage Calculations Vanessa Brotto, Kate Rafferty, 2019-11-18 Clinical Dosage Calculations is a locally written, full-colour text covering the important aspects of dosage calculations that students require to perform this essential part of clinical practice. An applied skills-focused text, Brotto uses real-life cases, worked examples and real medication charts and labels to engage students. Using a scaffolded approach to learning, the text starts with fundamental maths and familiarises students with medication charts and labels, then moves on to specialist area chapters, allowing learners to deepen their skills in a clinical context. Students engage in the activities of each chapter as an introduction to the concept before moving onto the final chapter where they can test their overall knowledge.
  critical care dosage calculations: Pharmaceutical Calculations Mitchell J. Stoklosa, Howard C. Ansel, 1986
  critical care dosage calculations: Medical Dosage Calculations For Dummies Richard Snyder, Barry Schoenborn, 2011-05-03 Score your highest in a medical dosage calculations course A recent shortage of nurses in a society with an aging population has triggered the demand for students to enter the field of medical study. A dosage calculations course is required for most students earning an applied science degree in nursing, pharmacology, or paramedic programs. Medical Dosage Calculations For Dummies tracks a typical dosage calculations course and provides helpful content in an approachable and easy-to-understand format. Plus, you'll get examples of the various calculations made to determine the appropriate quantity of drug or solution that should be administered to patients. Calculating drug dosages utilizing ratio-proportion, formula, and dimensional analysis Systems of measurement, including metric and apothecary and other conversion equivalents for a global audience The ins and outs of the charting systems for MAR (Medicine Administration Records) If you're one of the hundreds of thousands of students aspiring to enter the medical field, Medical Dosage Calculations For Dummies is your ticket for scoring your highest on exams.
  critical care dosage calculations: Dosage Calculations Made Incredibly Easy! Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2015-09-24 Dosage Calculations Made Incredibly Easy contains everything health care practitioners need to review and students need to learn about calculating drug dosages. This entertaining and informative reference reviews the basic math needed to perform dosage calculation, including fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and proportions. It walks the nurse through the interpretation of hundreds of examples of drug orders and the performance of hundreds of complex dosage calculations, and provides information on deciphering difficult abbreviations, dealing with unclear handwriting, reading medication labels, selecting administration equipment, and more.
  critical care dosage calculations: Drug Calculations for Nurses: A Step-by-Step Approach 3rd Edition Robert Lapham, Heather Agar, 2009-07-31 This best-selling pocket-sized book helps you perform drug calculations with confidence and competence. The completely updated third edition includes community practice and primary care settings, and a whole new section on pharmacology and medicines to put drug calculations into context. Starting with the basic mathematical skills required for calculations, including tips on using calculators and estimating answers, Drug Calculations for Nurses progresses to give you an understanding of basic pharmacokinetics and therapeutics. It also covers how drugs work in specific groups such as children and the elderly. The book takes you through step-by-step drug calculations with units and drug strengths clearly explained. Pre-test and a revision questions allow you to test and be confident in the skills you have acquired.
  critical care dosage calculations: Dosage Calculations Made Incredibly Easy! Kimberly Giddings, 2024-08-19 Designed to help health care professionals who are looking for a simple, step-by-step approach to math calculations, Dosage Calculations Made Incredibly Easy! 6th edition is a fully illustrated guide that offers the complete how-to on calculating dosages for all drug forms and administration routes.
  critical care dosage calculations: Drug Calculations - E-Book Meta Brown, Joyce L. Mulholland, 2015-11-16 Extensively covering the ratio and proportion method, Drug Calculations: Ratio and Proportion Problems for Clinical Practice, 10th Edition is known for its realistic practice problems and unique proof step in the answer key that lets you double-check your answers to avoid medication errors. This text addresses the current issue of patient safety with respect to accurate drug dosages through the inclusion of QSEN competencies recommendations — and with features such as new Clinical Relevance boxes and Clinical Alerts that call attention to situations in actual practice that have resulted in drug errors. You will get extensive hands-on practice for the NCLEX Exam through the text’s calculation problems, critical thinking exercises, worksheets, and assessment tests. Over 1,100 practice problems in ratio and proportion offer the extensive practice needed to become proficient in drug calculations. Step-by-step format for each problem includes a unique Proof step in the answer key to ensure that you understand the solution. Patient Safety chapter helps you prevent medication errors and understand drug labels, medication administration forms, and physician's order forms. Multiple-choice Worksheets within each chapter help you prepare for the NCLEX examination. Critical thinking exercises aid you in applying analytical skills and drug calculations to clinical practice. Clinical Alerts highlight potential and common drug calculation errors. Full-color drug labels and equipment illustrations provide you with a realistic representation of medication administration and what you will encounter in the clinical setting. Detailed coverage of the ratio and proportion method provides a logical, accurate, and consistent method of drug calculation. Worksheets follow each chapter section for additional practice and application of drug calculations. NEW! Vocabulary section at the beginning of each chapter provides you with a convenient reference to definitions of terms used throughout the chapter. NEW! Clinical Relevance boxes integrate medication–related clinical practice concepts, such as: nursing practice, high-risk medications, safety issues, and common administration errors.
  critical care dosage calculations: Critical Care Nursing Made Incredibly Easy! Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008 This is a handy reference book in the award-winning Incredibly Easy! style--perfect for those entering or needing a refresher in critical care nursing. Critical care nursing is one of the most demanding and complex areas of nursing practice. The critical care nurse has to be broadly specialized with a fluency in a wide range of interconnected concepts, body system physiology, pathophysiology, and highly technical interventions, while processing data from multiple sources--all this in an environment where there is no room for error and seconds really do count.
  critical care dosage calculations: Math and Dosage Calculations for Medical Careers' 2007 Ed.2007 Edition ,
  critical care dosage calculations: AACN Procedure Manual for Critical Care - E-Book American Association of Critical-Care Nr, 2010-08-06 The AACN Procedure Manual for Critical Care, 6th Edition presents procedures for the critical care environment in an illustrated, consistent, and step-by-step format. The Procedures and Patient Monitoring sections are presented in a tabular format that includes special considerations and rationales for each intervention. References have been meticulously reviewed to ensure that the most authoritative and timely standards of practice are used. Additionally, the references supporting care recommendations are identified according to the latest AACN Evidence Leveling System to ensure that you have a complete understanding of the strength of the evidence base. UNIQUE! AACN-sponsored content ensures the highest standards of practice Comprehensive, clear, easy-to-use format allows you to quickly find and review the exact content you need Rationales provide complete information on every procedure Identified AP procedures help you judge whether a procedure is in your scope of practice Patient safety highlighted with new icons for patient identification and time-out Joint Commission Universal Protocols CDC Standard Precautions for hand washing and applying protective clothing and equipment highlighted with new icons UNIQUE! Clarity of Evidence Leveling helps you quickly grasp the strength of the evidence supporting the care recommendations Reviewed and Updated References comply with the highest standards of critical care practice Alphabetical procedures index inside the front cover provides easy access Reader-friendly design changes make it easier to identify and utilize special features
  critical care dosage calculations: Gray Morris's Calculate with Confidence, Canadian Edition Tania N. Killian, 2021-05-03
  critical care dosage calculations: Calculate with Confidence - E-Book Deborah C. Gray Morris, 2014-01-30 Calculate with Confidence provides a clear consistent format with a step-by-step approach to the calculation and administration of drug dosages. It covers the ratio and proportion, formula, and dimensional analysis methods. This popular text focuses on enhancing the learning experience of students at all curricular levels by making content clinically applicable. Concepts relating to critical thinking, logical thinking, and nursing process are presented throughout. New practice problems have been added throughout this edition and rationales for the answers continue to be provided giving the students a better understanding of principles related to drug dosages. This fifth edition addresses the increasing responsibility of nurses in medication and administration; emphasizes the priority for client care, and presents material that reflects the current scope of the nursing practice. A clear and consistent, step-by-step approach to calculations and administration makes it easy to understand. Ratio and Proportion, Formula, and Dimensional Analysis content provides you with well-rounded coverage. Pretest and post-test help identify strengths and weaknesses in competency of basic math before and assess your comprehension after Unit One: Math Review. Points to Remember boxes highlighted in each chapter help you remember important concepts. Critical thinking information that should be applied in the clinical setting to help avoid drug calculation and administration errors is boxed throughout the text. Full-color illustrations, photographs, and drug labels familiarize you with what you'll encounter in the clinical setting. Current recommendations from The Joint Commission and Institute for Safe Medication Practices are followed throughout. Caution boxes identify issues that may lead to medication errors and strengthen actions that must be taken to avoid calculation errors. Tips for Clinical Practice calls attention to information critical to math calculation and patient safety as well as issues related to practice. Rule boxes familiarize students with information needed to accurately solve drug calculation problems.
  critical care dosage calculations: Calculate with Confidence - E-Book Deborah C. Morris, 2013-10-01 Caution boxes identify issues that may lead to medication errors and strengthen actions that must be taken to avoid calculation errors. Tips for Clinical Practice calls attention to information critical to math calculation and patient safety as well as issues related to practice. Rule boxes familiarize students with information needed to accurately solve drug calculation problems.
  critical care dosage calculations: Gray Morris's Calculate with Confidence, Canadian Edition - E-Book Tania N Killian, 2021-02-13 - NEW! Next Generation NCLEX-RN® exam-style case studies on the Evolve website provide drug calculation practice for the Next Generation NCLEX Examination. - NEW! Increased number of Clinical Reasoning exercises builds students' critical thinking skills, with a focus on preventing medication errors. - NEW! Thoroughly updated content includes the latest Health Canada-approved medications, current drug labels, the latest research, Canadian statistics, commonly used abbreviations, and recommended practices related to medication errors and their prevention. - NEW! A-Z medication index references the page numbers where drug labels can be found. - NEW! Tips for Clinical Practice from the text are now available on Evolve in printable, easy-reference format.
  critical care dosage calculations: Fundamentals of Critical Care Ian Peate, Barry Hill, 2022-11-07 Fundamentals of Critical Care A Textbook for Nursing and Healthcare Students In Fundamentals of Critical Care, a team of clinicians and health educators deliver an accessible, timely, and evidence-based introduction to the role of nurses and healthcare practitioners in critical care. The book explores fundamental concepts in critical care and their implications for practice. Each chapter outlines essential knowledge necessary to understand key concepts and includes high quality, full-colour artwork to enhance learning and recall. Readers are also provided with clinical scenarios, practice questions, and red and orange flags to indicate physiological and psychological alerts respectively. Covering a range of common and specialised disease processes and treatments requiring critical care, the book provides: A thorough introduction to the critical care unit, including philosophies of care, ways of working, humanisation, and outreach Comprehensive exploration of organisational influences, including political, local, national, and international influences Practical discussion of legal, ethical, and professional issues, as well as evidence-based approaches to critical care In-depth examination of nursing care assessment tools, nursing communication, cognition, pharmacology, and more Perfect for nursing students and trainee nursing associates, Fundamentals of Critical Care: A Textbook for Nursing and Healthcare Students will also earn a place in the libraries of healthcare students in physiotherapy, paramedicine, medicine, and those returning to practice. All content reviewed by students for students. If you would like to be one of our student reviewers, go to www.reviewnursingbooks.com to find out more. To receive automatic updates on Wiley books and journals, join our email list. Sign up today at www.wiley.com/email
  critical care dosage calculations: Diabetes, An Issue of Critical Care Nursing Clinics Celia Levesque, 2013-03-28 This issue of Critical Care Nursing Clinics, Guest Edited by Celia Levesque RN, MSN, NP-C, CNS-BC, CDE, BC-ADM, from MD Anderson, will focus on Diabetes. Article topics will include Management of Diabetes in the Clinical Setting, Hyperglycemia management after solid organ transplantation, Insulin therapy in the hospitalized patient, Limb salvage for Vetrans with diabetes, and Management of steroid induced hyperglycemia in the ICU.
  critical care dosage calculations: Critical Care Transport American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS),, American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP),, UMBC,, 2017-03-20 Welcome to the gold standard in critical care transport training. Published in conjunction with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), and endorsed by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the International Association of Flight and Critical Care Providers (IAFCCP), Critical Care Transport, Second Edition, offers cutting-edge content relevant to any health care provider training in critical care transport. Authored by leading critical care professionals from across the country, Critical Care Transport, Second Edition, contains state-of-the-art information on ground and flight transport that aligns with the latest evidence-based medicine and practices. Content includes information specific to prehospital critical care transport, such as flight physiology, lab analysis, hemodynamic monitoring, and specialized devices such as the intra-aortic balloon pump. Standard topics such as airway management, tra
  critical care dosage calculations: Math for Nurses Mary Jo Boyer, 2009 Now in its Seventh Edition, this pocket guide is a compact, portable, easy-to-use reference for dosage calculation and drug administration. The author uses a step-by-step approach with frequent examples to illustrate problem-solving and practical applications. Coverage includes review of mathematics, measurement systems, and a comprehensive section on dosage calculations. Practice problems throughout the text and end-of-chapter and end-of-unit review questions will aid students' application and recall of material. A handy pull-out card contains basic equivalents, conversion factors, and math formulas.
  critical care dosage calculations: Dimensional Analysis Tracy Horntvedt, 2023-02-01 Make dosage calculations easier to master with dimensional analysis. Dosage calculations can be intimidating, but they don’t need to be. Dimensional analysis is an easy, systematic approach that shows you how to master simple to complex calculations with consistency and accuracy and reduce medication errors to ensure that drugs are administered safely and documented correctly. Dimensional analysis, which can be used on virtually every dosage calculation problem, eliminates the need to use other methods or perform lengthy, multi-step calculations. It’s a method of problem-solving that organizes data in a manner that is easy to understand and apply.
  critical care dosage calculations: Clinical Calculations - E-Book Joyce LeFever Kee, Sally M. Marshall, Mary Catherine Forrester, Kathryn Woods, 2022-02-11 - NEW! Next-Generation NCLEX® examination-style and NGN Prep questions introduce the new elements from the updated NCLEX exam, assessing critical thinking, clinical judgment, and decision-making based on actual clinical situations.
  critical care dosage calculations: Nursing2009 Student Drug Handbook Christiane L. Brownell, Nancy Priff, 2008-07-01 Providing comprehensive information on more than 750 generic and over 3,500 trade-name drugs in an easy-to-use A-to-Z format, this handbook is organized by the nursing process, including assessment, nursing diagnosis, and planning and implementation.
  critical care dosage calculations: Clinical Calculations Joyce LeFever Kee, Sally M. Marshall, 2012-02-01 Take your understanding to a whole new level with Pageburst digital books on VitalSource! Easy-to-use, interactive features let you make highlights, share notes, run instant topic searches, and so much more. Best of all, with Pageburst, you get flexible online, offline, and mobile access to all your digital books. The only text that covers all four major methods of drug calculation, Clinical Calculations: With Applications to General and Specialty Areas, 7th Edition emphasizes patient safety above all else. It reflects the medications used in clinical practice today, with clear guidelines on the latest drug administration forms, techniques, and devices for both general and specialty areas. Plus, its user-friendly format and abundance of practice problems make it easy to understand and apply key drug calculation concepts. Coverage of all 4 major drug calculation methods - ratio & proportion, formula, fractional equation, and dimensional analysis - allows you to apply the method that works best for you. A section on specialty areas and lifespan prepares you for the wide range of clinical calculations needed to practice in pediatric, critical care, labor & delivery, and community settings. Caution boxes alert you to problems or issues related to various drugs and their administration. A comprehensive post-test enables you to test your understanding of key concepts from the text. Current drug information ensures you are familiar with the most commonly used drugs in clinical practice. Up-to-date content on the latest drug administration techniques and devices helps you master the various forms of drug administration, including oral, intravenous, intra-muscular, subcutaneous, and other routes. Remember boxes identify pertinent concepts you should commit to memory. Note boxes emphasize important points related to concepts presented in each chapter. NEW! Prevention of Medication Errors chapter emphasizes patient safety to help you avoid common drug calculation and administration mistakes. NEW! Updated recommendations from The Joint Commission and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices offer helpful guidelines for reducing medication errors to ensure safe patient care outcomes. NEW! Updated medication label and equipment photos reflect the latest medications and technology used in drug administration.
  critical care dosage calculations: Calculate with Confidence Deborah Gray Morris, 2010 Calculate with Confidence provides a clear consistent format with a step-by-step approach to the calculation and administration of drug dosages. It covers the ratio and proportion, formula, and dimensional analysis methods. This popular text focuses on enhancing the learning experience of students at all curricular levels by making content clinically applicable. Concepts relating to critical thinking, logical thinking, and nursing process are presented throughout. New practice problems have been added throughout this edition and rationales for the answers continue to be provided giving the students a better understanding of principles related to drug dosages. This fifth edition addresses the increasing responsibility of nurses in medication and administration; emphasizes the priority for client care, and presents material that reflects the current scope of the nursing practice. A clear and consistent, step-by-step approach to calculations and administration makes it easy to understand. Ratio and Proportion, Formula, and Dimensional Analysis content provides you with well-rounded coverage. Pretest and post-test help identify strengths and weaknesses in competency of basic math before and assess your comprehension after Unit One: Math Review. Points to Remember boxes highlighted in each chapter help you remember important concepts. Critical thinking information that should be applied in the clinical setting to help avoid drug calculation and administration errors is boxed throughout the text. Full-color illustrations, photographs, and drug labels familiarize you with what you'll encounter in the clinical setting. Current recommendations from The Joint Commission and Institute for Safe Medication Practices are followed throughout. Caution boxes identify issues that may lead to medication errors and strengthen actions that must be taken to avoid calculation errors. Tips for Clinical Practice calls attention to information critical to math calculation and patient safety as well as issues related to practice. Rule boxes familiarize students with information needed to accurately solve drug calculation problems.
  critical care dosage calculations: Clinical Nursing Calculations Susan Sienkiewicz, Sandra Megerdichian, 2019-09-27 Clinical Nursing Calculations is an essential text for teaching dosage calculation to undergraduate nursing students.
  critical care dosage calculations: Core Knowledge in Critical Care Medicine Wolfgang Krüger, Andrew James Ludman, 2014-08-25 This book provides a detailed review of state of the art knowledge on critical care topics as well as the latest research findings. It covers the core aspects in excellent detail, but is not so comprehensive as to make its daily use unfeasible. For each condition considered, discussion of the pathophysiology is integrated with observations on diagnosis and treatment in order to allow a deeper understanding. The book is scientifically based, with extensive references to published research. This will allow readers to investigate their individual interests further and will enable physicians to justify measures by providing a coherent, evidence-based strategy and relevant citations where needed. Core Knowledge in Critical Care Medicine will appeal to experienced practitioners as an aide-mémoire, but will also be of great value to a wide range of more junior staff wishing to complement their background knowledge with important facts applicable to everyday practice.
  critical care dosage calculations: Dosage Calculations in SI Units Maureen Osis, 2002-06-01 DOSAGE CALCULATIONS IN SI UNITS, is a reference for nursing students and practitioners who want individual, self-paced instruction on calculations using SI units, involving all common dosage forms. The user is guided through a series of ten conceptual modules, ranging from simple fractions and decimals to more complex formulas such as dosage calculations for oral and intravenous medications. A special module for calculating pediatric and geriatric dosages has been added to this edition and is accompanied by a testing CD-ROM.
  critical care dosage calculations: Critical Care Skills Barbara Clark Mims, 1996 Describing critical care techniques in a clear, no-nonsense style, Critical Care Skills: A Clinical Handbook, 2nd Edition, covers the major skills related to the pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal systems as well as intravenous therapy, wound management, special procedures, and specimen collection. Thoroughly illustrated with crisp diagrams and extensively referenced to the most current sources, this portable pocket reference is the critical care nurse's ideal daily companion.--BOOK JACKET.
  critical care dosage calculations: Pharmaceutical and Clinical Calculations Mansoor A. Kahn, Indra K. Reddy, 2000-04-06 Pharmaceutical and clinical calculations are critical to the delivery of safe, effective, and competent patient care and professional practice. Pharmaceutical and Clinical Calculations, Second Edition addresses this crucial component, while emphasizing contemporary pharmacy practices. Presenting the information in a well-organized and easy-to-under
  critical care dosage calculations: Nursing Dosage Calculation Workbook: 24 Categories of Problems from Basic to Advanced! Chase Hassen, Bradley J. Wojcik, 2019-03-10 Are you a nursing student, or nurse, who has the basics of dosage calculations down and wants to take your abilities to the next level? If so, this book is for you! Although his book is intended to be used as an advanced workbook supplement to Wojcik, B & Hassen, C (2018) Dosage calculations for nursing students: Master dosage calculations in 24 hours the safe & easy way without formulas! ISBN 9781725638839, it will benefit anyone who has a basic knowledge of dosage calculations. The book's 777 problems cover 24 categories from basic unit conversions to complex critical care calculations. The answers to the problems are explained primarily using dimensional analysis. This book is organized into the following six units: Unit 1: Basic Math Problems and Military Time Rounding Numbers Roman Numerals Scientific Notation Military Time Unit 2: Conversions Unit Conversions Within the Metric System Unit Conversions Within the Household System Unit Conversions Between the Metric, Household and Apothecary Systems Unit 3: Dosage Calculations Dosage Calculations Level 1 Dosage Calculations Level 2 Dosage Calculations Level 3 Body Surface Area Dosing Calculations Pediatric Dosing Calculations Pediatric Maintenance Fluid Replacement Calculations Unit 4: IV Flow Rate Calculations IV Flow Rate Calculations Level 1 IV Flow Rate Calculations Level 2 IV Flow Rate Adjustment Calculations Heparin Infusion and Adjustment Calculations Unit 5: Percent and Ratio Strength Calculations Percent Percent Strength Percent Change Ratio Strength Unit 6: Miscellaneous Subjects Reconstitution Calculations Conversions Between mg and mEq Dosage Calculation Puzzles Self-Assessment Exam List of Abbreviations and Symbols Scroll Up To Get Yours Today!
  critical care dosage calculations: Medication Errors Michael Richard Cohen, 2007 In this expanded 600+ page edition, Dr. Cohen brings together some 30 experts from pharmacy, medicine, nursing, and risk management to provide the most current thinking about the causes of medication errors and strategies to prevent them.
  critical care dosage calculations: Computers in Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine Peter M. Osswald, 2012-12-06 The anesthetist-computer interface tends to be a problem for the utilization of computer systems for anesthesia. Ergonomic interface design with an emphasis on the coherency of the interface's static and dynamic structure may improve this situation. To investigate this proposition we developed an Anesthesia Information System (AIS) with a touch-sensitive monitor as the hardware-user interface. Basic data input and system control techniques were defined and implemented. Record keeping is integrated into the user interface. Ventilator control from the same interface is an additional feature for laboratory simulations. The system is being evaluated using a technique that simulates live operations. References Anthony J (1982) BAS - A major change coming in delivery. IEEE EMB 1 (1): 36-42 Apple HP, Schneider AJL, Fadel J (1982) Design and evaluation of a semiautomatic anesthesia record system. Med lnstrum 16 (1): 69-71 Arnell WJ, Schultz DG (1983) Computers in anesthesiology - a look ahead. Med Instrum 17 (6): 393-395 Bender HJ, Osswald PM, Hartung HJ, Lutz H (1983) On line - Erfassung haemodynamischer und respiratorischer GraBen in der Anaesthesie. Anaesth Intensivther Notfallmed 18: 37-40 Cooper JB et al. (1982) A graphics-tablet for data entry in computer assisted recordkeeping Proc.
  critical care dosage calculations: Cases in Paediatric Critical Care Transfer and Retrieval Medicine Shelley Riphagen, Sam Fosker, 2022-01-06 A case-based, multidisciplinary book on paediatric retrieval and transfer, covering many critically ill paediatric presentations and issues.
  critical care dosage calculations: Dosage Calculations for Nursing Students Chase Hassen, Bradley J Wojcik, 2019-05-11 Welcome to the second edition of our dosage calculations book! Are you a nursing student, or nurse, who wants to learn a few simple methods of solving dosage calculations without a bunch of formulas? Would you like to raise your hand in your dosage calculation class, after the instructor explains a complicated formula, and ask to approach the white board to show the class a much simpler method? Do you want to go on your clinicals knowing that you have a solid foundation in dosage calculations? Do you want to walk into your Nursing Calculations Class on the first day knowing that you can ace all the tests before the course begins? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this book is for you! The book is divided into seven units containing thirty-five chapters. Unit 1: Essential Skills: You can't learn to drive a car if you don't understand the function of the steering wheel. The same applies to the following subjects when learning dosage calculations. The Metric System Apothecary/Avoirdupois/Household Systems Ratios Dimensional Analysis (DA) and Ratio Proportion (RP) Rounding Numbers Military Time Unit 2: Auxiliary Subjects: Roman Numerals Scientific Notation Unit 3: Unit Conversions Unit 3 covers converting between and within the various systems of measurement using dimensional analysis and ratio proportion. Unit conversions Within the Metric System Unit Conversions Within the Household System Unit Conversions Between Metric, Household and Apothecary Systems Unit Conversions Involving Pounds and Ounces Unit Conversions Involving Hours and Minutes Unit 4: Dosage Calculations Unit 4 builds on the knowledge gained in the previous units and covers dosage calculations, starting with the terminology and set up of problems, then progressing from easy, one-step, problems through multi-step problems. Dosage Calculations-The Basics Dosage Calculations Levels 1-3 Body Surface Area Dosing Calculations Pediatric Dosage Calculations Pediatric Maintenance Fluid Replacement Calculations Unit 5: IV Flow Rate Calculations Unit 5 starts with the basic terminology and set up of IV flow rate problems, then moves on to: Simple and Advanced Problems IV Flow Rate Adjustment Calculations Heparin Infusion and Adjustment Calculations Unit 6: Percent and Ratio Strength Calculations Percent, Percent Strength Percent Change Ratio Strength Unit 7: Miscellaneous Subjects Reconstitution Calculations Concentrations and Dilutions Milliequivalent Calculations Dosage Calculations Puzzles Self-Assessment Exam The book contains over 600 high quality practice problems with answers. We look forward to your feedback! Chase Hassen and Brad Wojcik
  critical care dosage calculations: Dosage Calculations Gloria D. Pickar, 2006 Builds upon its core strengths-comprehensive math review, ratio- proportion method approach, and critical thinking assessment. The author's trusted three step method, Convert, Think, Calculate, trains users how to significantly reduce errors and increase their confidence in dosage calculation.
  critical care dosage calculations: Medical Terminology Made Incredibly Easy! , 2008-06-01 Written in the award-winning, lighthearted Incredibly Easy! style, this book is an excellent aid to understanding and retention of medical terminology. The first chapter focuses on key concepts of medical terminology, including common word components. Subsequent chapters cover individual body systems, providing in-depth definitions that connect words to their meanings. This Third Edition features new chapters on obstetric and mental health terms and expanded Pump Up Your Pronunciation charts. Two eight-page full-color inserts offer a closer look at anatomical terminology. A companion Website offers student and instructor ancillaries including a pronunciation guide with hundreds of terms, Pump Up Your Pronunciation study cards, practice exercises, PowerPoint presentations, and a test generator. Online Tutoring powered by Smarthinking--Online tutoring, powered by Smarthinking, gives students access to expert nursing and allied health science educators whose mission, like yours, is to achieve success. Students can access live tutoring support, critiques of written work, and other valuable tools.
  critical care dosage calculations: Calculation of Drug Dosages Sheila J. Ogden, 2003 This popular dosage calculation work-text helps students master the critical skills necessary to competently and confidently calculate drug dosages. Innovative and practical, it includes information on the ratio and proportion, formula and dimensional analysis methods of drug calculation, and numerous practice problems to accompany these methods. Ideal for students who need an extensive math review in addition to drug calculations content, this new edition features a more logical organization, a new chapter addressing medication administration to critically ill patients, and more practice problems on calculations for pediatric patients.
  critical care dosage calculations: Critical Care Medicine Joseph E. Parrillo, R. Phillip Dellinger, 2007-12-12 Here’s the most clinically oriented critical care text focusing on the adult patient. In full-color and superbly illustrated with clinical photographs, imaging studies, and management algorithms, and with a broad multidisciplinary focus, this text will help you enhance your skills at any level of training. Stands alone as a clinically oriented comprehensive reference. Completely updated and authorship expanded to reflect the evolution in critical care practice. In color for the first time, with new color schematics and treatment algorithms for greater ease of reference. Utilizes key points lists at the end of chapter, to help you make decisions rapidly and easily. Delivers key references that list other useful resources for information. Includes these seven new chapters to keep you on the cutting edge of your specialty: Assessment of Cardiac Filling and Blood Flow Mechanical Ventilation of Obstructive Airways Disease Mechanical Ventilation of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Severe Sepsis and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Stroke Delirium, Psychosis, Sleep and Depression in the ICU ICU Education