Dosage Calculation: In a Nutshell (Nursing)

00:01 So, let's wrap this up Medication dosages can be ordered to be calculated based on the patient's weight, particularly in pediatric population.

00:10 So, this may require you to convert pounds to kilograms or kilograms to pounds.

00:16 There are 2.2 pounds in each kilogram.

00:19 I much prefer to see my weight in kilograms.

00:22 It makes me feel svelte.

00:24 Now, if you're going to convert pounds to kilograms, it's not as good.

00:27 You divide the pounds by 2.2.

00:29 To convert kilograms to pounds, multiply the kilograms by 2.2.

00:34 Nurses are responsible to make sure that any ordered dose is within a safe and therapeutic range for their patient.

00:41 So, you always want to calculate the correct dosage as indicated by the medication label and compare that dosage with the dosage ordered by the healthcare provider.

00:51 So, if the therapeutic range is not included on the label, then you can talk with the pharmacist.

00:55 You can look at the package insert or you can look it up on a PDR, or the healthcare system's resources.

01:02 Thank you for watching our video today.