Liquid Medication
Calculating dosages for liquid medications is also EXTREMELY simple. First, you should master how to calculate pill dosages. After you are comfortable with that, we move on to our next formula. |
I learned this formula in 12th grade chemistry. It works almost ALL of the time for me, as long as I set it up correctly. You answer should always end with the units (mg, ml, units, etc.) that you are looking for. Next, remember that units above and below the line will cancel each other out. Just practice and it will start to make sense.
Here is my secret formula!
- Set up your equation. This may take some time to learn, but once you do, it will become simple
- Cancel all units that you see on both the bottom AND the top of the equation. Note that if the unit measure is only present once on the top, you can only mark it out once on the bottom, and vice versa.
- Now the only math step! Multiply all the numbers on the top, then multiply all the numbers on the bottom. Now divide the top number by the bottom number and WALA you have your answer.
Don’t worry, it is easier than it sounds. Ready? Here is your formula:
Let’s Jump Right In
1. The doctor orders 5mg of Robitussin PO daily. Your medication bottle from the pharmacy states 1mg/2ml of Robitussin. There are 30ml in the bottle. How many do you give?
Try again!
2. You need to give 40meq of KCL PO x1. You have little cups that state KCL 20meq/5ml. How many mL do you give:
Last example!
3. You need to give 10,000 units of swish and spit Nystatin q6h. You have 5,000units/2ml packages of Nystatin. What to do?
If you understand calculation for PO liquid medication, move on to IV liquid calculations
Click here for the main Nursing Math page
Click here to go to the home page
This site pays for itself and more! Click Here to read my story.
There are over 80 pages on this site at last count...find what you want easily with our search button below!
Have you seen these pages?