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Unit 4

Steps for Calculating Dosages Using Weight Measurement

Here is the process for calculating


dosage information using a
client’s weight:

Find the recommended dosage range


from the packaging or label
Example: 20 mg – 40 mg/kg/day
in 3 divided doses
Calculate the client’s body weight in kg
or lbs as indicated.
Convert lbs to kg or kg to lbs as
needed (use conversion steps)
Calculate the dosage range for the
specific patient.
Multiply the client’s weight by the
low dosage value
Multiply the client’s weight by the
high dosage value
This provides you with the
recommended dosage range for
this patient.
Determine if the dose ordered is safe and/or therapeutic
Calculate the ordered dose of the drug (per day or per dose as needed)
Compare the dose ordered with the safe and therapeutic range as calculated for your
client
Is the dosage ordered by the doctor safe? Does it fall below the highest limit as
calculated for this patient?
Is the dosage ordered by the doctor therapeutic? Does it fall between the dosage
range as calculated by multiplying the patient’s weight with the manufacturer’s
recommendation?

Tips:

1. Keep your math in an orderly line


2. Make sure you use and keep your labels especially those that tell you if you have calculated
values “per day” or “per dose”.
3. Make sure you are comparing the dosage times per day using the doctor’s orders rather than
the recommendation from the drug company if they are different. You may need to multiply
the ordered dose to be able to compare with the recommended on a “per day” rate.

Let’s try a pediatric problem:

Jane’s doctor ordered Amoxicillin 250 mg po qid for her ear infection. Jane weights 90 lbs.
The recommended dosage range is 20 mg – 40 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses. What is
Jane’s weight in kg? What is the recommended daily dosage range for Jane? Is the order
for Amoxicillin safe and therapeutic?

First let’s find out what Jane’s weight is in kg since the recommended dosage range asks for kg.

? = 40. 909 and the units will be kg. Note that you can protect yourself from errors here by
“guess-timating.” You recall that 1 kg is approximately twice as large as a lb. If you are moving from
lbs to kg you expect the number of units to be smaller, approximately half of the lbs. You see that
40 is less than half the 90 lbs.

Jane’s weight is 40.909 kg


Remember, the doctor orders medication in a “per dose” mode UNLESS it specifically says it’s per
day. We also multiplied the dose ordered by 4 doses (instead of the recommended 3 doses) because
the doctor ordered it qid.

Ok, it’s time for the rest of those practice problems. Always be clear about what you are
being asked to do. Keep your numbers clear and always hang onto those labels.

What question or problems are you experiencing? Let’s get them answered before you go
on to the mastery exam.

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