I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Dosage Calculations

2. Course Prefix & Number:
NURS 2522

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 1

Lecture Hours: 1

Lab Hours: 0

4. Course Description:

This course offers a basic review of math and ratio/proportion as applied by health care professionals. Topics include the metric system, preparation of solutions, pediatric dosage, I.V. solutions, and advanced I.V. titration of medications. Application will be made through subsequent nursing courses. 

5. Placement Tests Required:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

7. Other Prerequisites

9. Co-requisite Courses:

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

III. Course Purpose

1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course is required for the following program(s):

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

Unit One: Mathematics Review

1. Compare values of fractions and decimals.
2. Convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions, and between reduced and equivalent forms of fractions.
3. Add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions and decimals.
4. Round a decimal to a given place value.
5. Interpret values expressed as ratios.
6. Convert among fractions, decimals, ratios, and percents.
7. Compare the size of fractions, decimals, ratios and percents.
8. Determine the X value in simple equations.
9. Set up proportions for solving problems.
10. Calculate the percentage of a quantity.

Unit Two: Measurement Systems, Drug Orders and Drug Labels

1. Interpret and properly express metric, apothecary, and household notation.
2. Recall from memory metric, apothecary, and household equivalents.
3. Explain the use of milliequivalent (mEq), international unit, unit and milliunit in dosage calculation.
4. Convert among units of measurement within the same system (metric, apothecary, household).
5. Convert units of measurement from one system to another (metric, apothecary, household).
6. Convert between tradition and international (military) time.
7. Recognize and select the appropriate equipment for the medication, dosage, and method of administrations ordered.
8. Read and interpret the calibrations of each utensil presented.
9. Interpret physician orders and medication administration records.
10. Understand drug labels, including:  dosage strength, drug form, total volume, directions for mixing or preparing dosage, recognize drug alerts and check for expiration date.
11. Describe the consequences and costs of medication errors as well as citing the incidence of hospital injuries and deaths attributable to medication errors.
12. Explore the evidence and rationale for underreporting of medication errors.
13. Examine the steps involved in medication administration including the 5 rights of patient medication administration.
14. Identify six common causes of medication errors.
15. Identify the role of the nurse in preventing medication errors.
16. Describe the role of technology and health care administration in medication error prevention.

Unit Three: Drug Dose Calculations

1. Convert all units of measurement to the same system and same size unit.
2. Estimate the reasonable amount of the drug to be administered.
3. Use ratio and proportion to calculate drug dosages.
4. Calculate the number of tablets or capsules that are contained in prescribed dosages.
5. Calculate the volume of liquid per dose when the prescribed dosage is in solution form.
6. Compare and contrast different insulin types including: onset, peak, duration, indications for use and nursing considerations.
7. Apply the three steps for dosage calculations: convert, think and calculate.
8. Measure insulin in a matching insulin syringe.
9. Convert the calibration of U-100 insulin syringe unit to milliliters (100 units/mL).
10. Define and apply the terms solvent (diluent), solute, and solution.
11. Differentiate between varying directions for reconstitution and select the correct set to prepare the dosage ordered.
12. Calculate the amount of solute and solvent needed to prepare a desired strength and quantity of an enteral feeding.
13. Make comparisons of ordered dosage with recommended safe dosage and determine whether the ordered dosage is safe to administer.
14. Apply body weight dosage calculations to patients across the life span.

Unit Four: Advanced Calculations

1. Calculate the amount of specific components in common IV fluids.
2. Calculate milliliters per hour:  mL/h.
3. Recognize the calibration or drop factor in gtt/mL as stated on the IV tubing package.
4. Apply the formula and shortcut method to calculate IV flow rate in gtt/min.
5. Recalculate the flow rate when the IV is off schedule.
6. Calculate IV infusions time and volume.
7. Determine the body surface area (BSA) using a calculation formula.
8. Calculate intermittent intravenous (IV) medications administered with IV infusion control sets.
9. Calculate pediatric IV maintenance fluids.
10. Calculate and assess safe hourly heparin dosage.
11. Calculate heparin IV flow rate.
12. Calculate flow rate and assess safe dosages for critical care IV medications administered over a specific time.
13. Calculate the flow rate for primary IV and IV piggyback solutions for patients with restricted fluid