NCLEX-PN
Understanding rounding rules is equally vital, as it ensures precise administration and avoids dosing errors. Dosage Calculation Based on Body Weight Dosages are frequently calculated using body weight in kilograms. Conversion between pounds and kilograms is crucial. The common approach involves multiplying the client's weight by the prescribed dosage per kilogram . Standard pharmaceutical math calculations can also be used to determine volume. For single dosages, divide the total daily dose by the number of doses per day. For more complex calculations based on body surface area, a nomogram (graph) might be employed.
Pediatric Dosages and Special Considerations Differentiating between adult and pediatric dosages is crucial. Knowledge of how to calculate pediatric dosages, facilitate pill swallowing in children, and administer medications to infants is a fundamental aspect of nursing care. Administration of Oral Medications Tablet administration involves understanding which tablets can be broken for partial dosing, while extended-release tablets must never be broken or crushed. Familiarity with abbreviations like CR, LA, SA, and XR aids in accurate administration. Enteral Medications: Tubes and Administration Administering medications via enteral tubes requires knowledge of proper tube placement: ● Nasogastric (through the nose and into the stomach). ● Nasointestinal (past the stomach and into the small intestine). ● Percutaneous (directly into the stomach). Flushing the tube with water before medication, and utilizing solution/elixir forms when possible, ensures effective delivery. Injectable Medications: Steps and Precautions Administering injectable medications involves several critical steps: 1. Needle selection based on factors like volume, type of medication, destination site, client size, and medication viscosity.
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