HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
DIVISION OF ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
DRUG CALCULATION STUDY GUIDE
Revised Spring 2003
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
This study guide is prepared to facilitate the learner’s pace through a Drug Calculation Study guide.
The Study guide consists of the following:
Description:
This section introduces and describes the contents of the study guide. . Page 2
It further describes the major emphasis of the content.
Rationale:
This section emphasizes the importance of the study guide and the . . . . Page 2
educational outcome for the learner.
Performance Objectives:
This section informs the learner of what will be
accomplished when the modular study is completed . . . . Page 2
Prerequisite Knowledge:
This section lists what the learner has to complete . . . . . . Page 2
before this study guide can be studied.
Instructional Methods:This section identifies methods which will assist the . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
learner while working through the study guide.
Learning Activities:
This section provides activities that must be performed . . . . . . . . Page 3
by the learner.
Resources:
This section lists both required and recommended resources. . . . . . . . . . Page 3
This shows where the material for the study guide was obtained
and the correct information relative to each resource.
Instructions:
This section informs the learner how to complete the drug . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
calculation study guide.
Advance Organizer:
This section is a topical outline that systematically identifies . . . . Page 5
the major points within the study guide.
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003Page 1
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Topic:
Calculation of Medication Dosages
Course:
1229
Description:
This topic, Calculation of Medication Dosages, introduces to the learner the methods for calculation
and preparation of oral, parenteral, intravenous and pediatric medications. The learner will practice
calculation of medications utilizing the correct systems of measurement, ratio / proportion and
application of the correct symbols and abbreviations to given problems and/or situations.
Rationale:
The calculation of dosages of medications to be administered via the oral, parenteral, intravenous,
route; and to the pediatric client is critical to the delivery of safe, competent nursing care. A
beginning practitioner in nursing struggles to master these essential skills. This study guide is
designed to assist the learner to completely and confidently calculate medication dosages.
Performance Objectives:
The learner will be able at the completion of this study guide to:
1.
Recall the common equivalents from the apothecaries and metric systems of measurement.
2.
Recall common abbreviations used in medication orders.
3.
Convert dosages from one system of measurement to another system of measurement.
4.
Calculate accurately oral medication dosages.
5.
Calculate accurately parenteral medication dosages.
6.
Calculate the rate, time and/or amount of medication / fluid administration to be delivered IV via gravity flow
and IV pump.
7.
Calculate accurately oral, parenteral, and IV medication dosages for the pediatric client.
Prerequisite Knowledge:
1.
Successful completion of Nur 1119
2.
Current enrollment in Nur 1229
3.
Ability to accurately apply basic math skills.
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003Page 2
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
INSTRUCTIONAL
1.
METHODS
Independent Study
a.
reading
b.
handouts
c.
calculations
2.
Review tests
3.
Learner - teacher conferences
4.
Computer study
5.
Comprehensive tests
LEARNER ACTIVITIES
1.
Read texts
2.
Review attachments in Drug Calculation Study guide
3.
Work all practice problems in Drug Calculation Study guide
4.
Complete Review Tests in Drug Calculation Study guide with at least 90% accuracy prior to
Comprehensive Test Date.
5.
Complete Comprehensive Test with at least 90% accuracy within time frame.
RESOURCES REQUIRED FOR DRUG CALCULATION
1.
2.
3.
Lilley - Pharmacology & the Nursing Process, current edition on book list
Gahart - Interavenous Medications, current edition on book list
Potter & Perry - Fundamentals of Nursing, current edition on book list
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003Page 3
DIVISION OF ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
INSTRUCTIONS
1.
Read the description, rationale and performance objectives.
2.
Ascertain if the prerequisite knowledge is met.
3.
Review the content as it applies to the outline in the Advance Organizer.
4.
Review the methods suggested to complete the study guide.
5.
Consult the required resources and secure the necessary texts.
6.
Begin with the first learning activity and work toward the last.
7.
Review test completion:
A.
B.
8.
Test Completion:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
9.
Conferences with instructors are encouraged if the learner is unable to arrive at an accurate solution.
(Answers are to be compared with the Review Test Key)
A 90% accuracy score on the Review Test should be accomplished prior to attempting the
comprehensive tests. (included in this study guide and scored on your own)
The learner will take the drug calculation test at a previously arranged time and location.
If a score of 90% is accomplished, no further involvement with the study guide is needed.
The learner will be allowed three opportunities to take the drug calculation test and obtain a mastery
score of 90%.
If less than a score of 90% is made, the learner will return to the study guide and work through the
content. A conference with an instructor is encouraged.
Following each Drug Calculation Test, the grades will be posted at a specified time. DO NOT under
any circumstances call the school for grades.
A test review will immediately follow each test.
Completion time:
Drug Calculation test dates and times will be announced at the time the study guide is initially given to the
learner.
10.
Evaluation:
A total of 3 testing dates will be scheduled. If you are successful on the first attempt you do not have to
attend the remaining testing sessions. If you are unsuccessful and choose not to attend a testing session,
you will forfeit the opportunity for that attempt. Failure of the learner to obtain a 90% mastery of the modular
contents by the last testing date will result in a grade of F for the course and an inability to continue to be
enrolled in the nursing program.
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003Page 4
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
ADVANCE ORGANIZER
I. Basic Math Review
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7
II.
Abbreviations/Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attachment A . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10
III.
Systems of Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attachment B . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11
IV.
Table of Equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attachment C . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12
V.
Methods of Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attachment D . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13
VI.
General Rules for Rounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attachment E . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16
VII.
Practice Exercises
A. Abbreviations
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18
B. Systems of Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19
C. Equivalents
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21
D. Ratio and Proportion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 23
VIII.
Oral Medications
A. Practice Problems with Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 26
B. Review Test with Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 32
IX.
Parenteral Medications
A. Types of Syringes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 36
B. Parenteral Medication Practice Problems with Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 37
C. Review Test with Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 45
X.
Intravenous Medications
A. IV Calculations
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 48
B. Calculation of IVP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 50
C. IV Practice Problems with Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 52
D. Review Test with Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 55
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003Page 5
XI.
Pediatric Medications
A. Calculation Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 58
B. Tips for Administering Pediatric Meds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 60
C. Pediatric Practice Problems with Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 61
D. Review Test with Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 66
XII.
Comprehensive Review Tests with Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 69
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003Page 6
Basic Math Review
The following test is designed as a basic math review. Basic math is essential to calculation of drug dosages to
prevent errors in medication administration.
The student is encouraged to review the area(s) of basic math where there was any difficulty. This should be done
prior to beginning the drug calculation module. There are many computer programs and math resources available
to help you.
Express the following Roman numerals in Arabic numbers:
1.
VI ____________
2.
XII ____________
3.
IX ____________
4.
III ____________
5.
XXIV
_____________
Calculate the following problems with decimals and express the answer to the nearest tenth:
6.
15.2 + 84.06
____________
7.
0.006 + 4.9
____________
8.
3.2 x 1.6
____________
9.
42.17 - 9.08
____________
10.
1.25 ÷ 0.05
____________
Indicate the decimal with the greatest value:
11.
0.175, 0.189, 0.049
___________________
12.
0.242, 0.249, 0.28
___________________
Calculate the following problems with fractions and reduce to the lowest terms:
13.
3/4 + 7/16
__________
19.
16 1/2 - 4 3/4
____________
14.
1 1/2 + 2 3/4
__________
20.
3/5 - 1/2
____________
15.
1/4 + 3/4
__________
21.
3 1/3 x 2/3
____________
16.
12 1/8 + 7/16
__________
22.
2 2/5 x 4 1/3
____________
17.
4/5 - 4/10
__________
23.
1/3 ÷ 1/2
____________
18.
1 7/8 - 3/16
__________
24.
6 ÷ 3/4
____________
25.
7 1/2 ÷ 4 2/3
____________
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003Page 7
Use ratio and proportion to solve for x:
26.
0.25 : 500 = X : 1000
_______________
27.
1/4 : X = 1 : 8 _______________
28.
0.4 : 1 = 0.2 : X _______________
29.
2.2 : 3.5 = 1 : X _______________
30.
X : 100 = 100 : 1000 _______________
31.
If you are traveling at 55 mph (55 miles : 1 hour) how long would it take you to travel 300 miles?
____________________
32.
If Tylenol comes in 325mg tablets (325mg : 1 tablet) how many tablets would you take to get 650mg?
_____________________
Calculate the following percentages:
33.
5% of 75
________________
34.
1/4% of 1000
_________________
35.
20 is what % of 200
______________
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003Page 8
Basic Math Review Answers*
Roman Numerals:
Ratio and Proportion:
1.
6
26.
X = 0.5 (or 1/2)
2.
12
27.
X=2
3.
9
28.
X = 0.5 (or 1/2)
4.
3
29.
X = 1.6
5.
24
30.
X = 10
31.
X = 5.5 hrs (5 hrs 30 min)
32.
X = 2 tablets
Decimals:
6.
99.3
7.
4.9
Percentages:
8.
5.1
33.
3.75 (or 3.8)
9.
33.1
34.
2.5
10.
25
35.
10%
11.
0.189
12.
0.28
Fractions:
13.
1 3/16
14.
4 1/4
15.
1
16.
12 9/16
17.
2/5
18.
1 15/16
19.
11 3/4
20.
1/10
* If you missed any of the basic math problems, go
21.
2 2/9
back and review the math related to any of the areas
22.
10 2/5
you missed before you proceed.
23.
2/3
24.
8
25.
1 17/28
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003Page 9
Attachment A
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Abbreviation
Meaning
OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . left eye
os . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mouth
Symbols - Abbreviations Used in Drug
Administration
Abbreviation
Meaning
aa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . of each
ac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . before meals
ad lib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . as desired
bid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . twice a day
_
c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . with
OU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . both eyes
oz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ounce
pc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . after meals
per . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by
PO or per os . . . . . . . . . . . . by mouth
prn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . when required
qd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . every day
qh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . every hour
qam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . every morning
qpm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . every night
caps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . capsules
q2h . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . every 2 hours
comp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . compound
q3h . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . every 3 hours
c/o . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . complaint of
q4h . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . every 4 hours
D/C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . discontinue
qid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . four times a day
elix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . elixir
qod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . every other day
dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dram
qoh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . every other hour
fld or fl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fluid
qs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . quantity sufficient
_
s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . without
Gm or g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gram
gr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . grain
gtt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . drop
h or hr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hour
hs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hour of sleep
IM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . intramuscular
IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . intravenously
kg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kilogram
L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . liter
m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . minim
SC, Sc, Subq, Sq . . . . . subcutaneously
ss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . a half
stat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . immediately
supp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . suppository
tid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . three times a day
Tbsp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tablespoon
tsp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . teaspoon
U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . unit
mcg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . microgram
mEq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . milliequivalent
mg, mgm . . . . . . . . . . . . . milligram
ml . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . milliliter
NPO . . . . . . . . . . . . . nothing by mouth
OD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . right eye
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 10
Attachment B
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Systems of Measurement
I.
Common Symbols and Abbreviations
A.
B.
C.
II.
International System of Units
Metric Units Abbreviations
Drug Administration Abbreviations
Systems of Measurement
A.
Apothecaries’ System
1.
Weight units
a.
grains
b.
drams
c.
ounces
d.
pounds
2.
B.
Fluid units
a.
minims
b.
pints
c.
quarts
d.
gallons
Metric System
1.
Weight Units
a.
kilograms
b.
grams
c.
milligrams
d.
micrograms
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 11
Attachment C
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Table of Equivalents
1 gtt (drop) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 m (minim)
15-16 m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ml (milliliter)
1 cc (cubic centimeter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ml
1 dram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 ml
1 tsp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 ml
2 Tbsp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 oz = 30 ml
8 drams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 oz
1000 ml . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 L (liter)
1000 mg (milligrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Gm (gram)
15 gr (grain) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Gm
60/64/65 mg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 gr
0.4 mg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/150 gr
1000 mcg (micrograms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 mg
1000 Gm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Kg (kilogram)
1 Kg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 lbs
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 12
Attachment D
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Methods of Drug Calculation
Ratio and Proportion
RATIO:
A ratio is a relationship between two numbers.
For Example, in nursing school each clinical instructor is assigned 10 students. The ratio of instructor
to students is 1 : 10 (reads one to ten). The ratio of students to instructor is 10 : 1. It can be expressed
either way.
If medication comes in a package labeled 30 mg tablets. This can be expressed as a ratio as follows:
30mg : 1 tablet or 1 tablet : 30mg
Equivalents can also be expressed in the form of a ratio. For example:
1 cup : 8oz or 5ml : 1 tsp
PROPORTION:
A proportion consists of two equal ratio statements. For example:
1 instructor : 10 students = 2 instructors : 20 students
30mg : 1 tablet = 15mg : 1/2 tablet
1 cup : 8oz = 2 cups : 16 ozs
Ratio and proportion is used to solve for x in calculation of drug dosages when the drug is available in one strength
but supplied by pharmacy in a different strength.
(Have)
(Desired)
Available
Ordered
30mg : 1 tab
=
15mg : X tab
Ratio and proportion is used to convert within and between the metric system and apothecary system of
measurement.
(Have)
(Desired)
equivalent I know
what I want to give
8 oz : 1 cup
X oz : 2 1/2 cups
=
When setting up ratio and proportion the problem can only be solved if each ratio is set up in the same order using
the same denomination.
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 13
mg : tablet
=
mg : tablet
oz : cup=
oz : cup
If the denomination does not match, then a conversion must be performed.
The medication is sent from the pharmacy in 30mg tablets. The doctor has ordered gr 1/2 per dose. You need to
figure out how many tablets to give the client.
(Have)
(Desired)
30mg : 1 tablet
=
gr 1/2 : X tablets
Since the ratios are not equal, you must change 30mg to grains OR gr 1/2 to mg. This requires a conversion:
(equivalent I know)
(what I want)
60mg : 1gr
=
X mg : 1/2 gr
X
=
30mg
Now you know that gr 1/2 = 30mg so you can replace gr 1/2 in the proportion with 30mg. Now it is equal on both
sides, and you can solve for x.
(Have)
(Desired)
30mg : 1 tablet
=
30mg : X tablets
Once you have set up the proportion and make sure each ratio is equal you can solve for X:
Solving for X
using Ratio and
Proportion
30mg : 1 tablet
=
15mg : X tablet
multiply the means (m = middle)
multiply the extremes (e = ends)
set them equal to each other
(extremes)
(means)
(30)(X)
=
(15)(1)
30X
=
15
isolate the X by dividing both sides by the number next to the X
30X
=
15
30X
30
=
15
30
1X
=
1
2
X
=
1/2 tablet
(the X in the original problem is next to tablet)
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 14
Attachment E
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
General Rules for Rounding Off
GENERAL RULE FOR ROUNDING OFF:
When rounding off numbers 5 and above, round up.
Numbers below 5, round down.
I.
Capsules and Tablets
Whole capsules or tablets (which are not scored) should be rounded to the nearest whole number. The
difference should not exceed 10% of total amount ordered.
Example:
II.
1.8 capsules = 2 capsules
1.5 scored tablets = 1 ½ tablets
Liquid Medications by Mouth
If unable to accurately measure dose on available medication cup, use a syringe to obtain accurate
measurement of dose.
III.
Milliliters
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 15
A.
Volumes greater than 1 ml. or cc: Volumes using milliliters or cc's greater than 1 should be
divided to the hundredths place and rounded to the nearest tenth.
Example:
B.
1.25 ml. = 1.3 ml.
1.24 ml. = 1.2 ml.
Volumes less than 1 ml or cc: Volumes using milliliters or cc's less than 1 ml should be divided
to the thousandths place, and rounded to the nearest hundredth. A TB syringe is appropriate
for this measurement.
Example:
.969 = .97 ml
.963 = .96 ml
IV. Minims
A.
Conversion: 15 or 16 minims/ml may be used when calculating minims.
B.
Minims should be divided to the tenths place and rounded to the nearest whole number.
Example:
V.
15.4 = 15 minims
15.8 = 16 minims
Drops
Calculate to the tenths place and round off to the nearest whole number
Example:
VI.
15.4 = 15 drops
15.5 = 16 drops
Converting Pounds to Kilograms
When converting pounds to kilograms, the weight should be carried to the hundredths place and
rounded to the tenths place.
Example:
170 lbs = 77.27 kg or 77.3 kg
160 lbs = 72.72 kg or 72.7 kg
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 16
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Practice Exercise - Abbreviations
1 ac
_____________________________________________________________
2 bid
_____________________________________________________________
3 hs
_____________________________________________________________
4 OD
_____________________________________________________________
5 OU
_____________________________________________________________
6 os
_____________________________________________________________
7 pc
_____________________________________________________________
8 ss
_
9 s
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
10
po
_____________________________________________________________
11
qod
_____________________________________________________________
12
_____________________________________________________________
13
qh
_
c
_____________________________________________________________
14
m
_____________________________________________________________
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 17
15
g
_____________________________________________________________
* Check answers on page 10
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Practice Exercise - Systems of Measurement
1 gr ¼
=____________mg
2 0.25 mg=____________gr
3 gr 1/300
=____________mg
4 60 mg
=____________g
5 500 mg
=____________g
6 1 ounce=____________dram
7 4T
=____________t
8 3t
=____________T
9 2T
=____________oz
10 3 T
=____________ml
11 45 ml
=____________oz
12 0.2 g
=____________gr
13 gr 1/15
=____________ g
14 gr ¼
=____________mg
15 120 mg
=____________gr
16 0.03 g
=____________gr
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 18
17 3/4 ml
=____________ m
18 30 m
=____________ml
19 2 Kg
=____________ lb
20 53.4 lb
=____________ Kg
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 19
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
K ey - Systems of Measurement
1.
15 mg
2.
.004 gr
3.
0.2 mg
4.
0.06 g
5.
0.5 g
6.
8 drams
7.
12 tsp
8.
1T
9.
1 oz
10.
45 ml
11.
1 ½ oz
12.
3 gr
13.
.004 g
14.
15 mg
15.
2 gr
16.
0.45 gr
17.
12 m (use 1 ml : 16 m)
18.
2 ml
19.
4.4 lb
20.
24.3 kg
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 20
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Practice Exercise - Equivalents
1 500 mg
=____________ Gm
2 gr X
=____________ Gm
3 25 mg
=____________ Gm
4 gr 3/4
=____________ mg
5 2 oz
=____________ ml
6 2 tsp
=____________ ml
7 gr ¼
=____________ mg
8 1 ½ oz
=____________ ml
9 gr 30
=____________ Gm
10
15 mg
=____________ gr
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 21
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
K ey -Equivalents
1.
0.5 Gm or ½ Gm
2.
0.67 Gm
3.
0.025 Gm
4.
45 mg
5.
60 ml
6.
10 ml
7.
15 mg
8.
45 ml
9
.2 Gm
10.
1/4 gr or 0.25 gr
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 22
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Practice Exercise - Ratio and Proportion
1.
A car travels 100 miles on 6 gallons of gas. How many gallons will it take for 350 miles?
2.
The recipe calls for 3/5 cup of sugar for every 2 oranges. How many oranges will be needed for 3 cups of sugar?
3.
The weight for 14 eggs is 2 1/3 pounds. How many eggs will it take to weigh 5 pounds?
4.
Three tablets equal 3 grams. How many tablets will be required to equal nine grams?
5.
If 3 quarts of alcohol are required to prepare an 8 quart solution, how much alcohol will be required to prepare a
20 quart solution?
6.
To prepare 8 lbs of berries, 4 pounds of sugar is required. How much sugar will be needed to prepare 10 pounds
of berries?
7.
It takes 5 scoops of coffee to make 10 cups. How many scoops does it take for 15 cups?
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 23
8.
The flower arrangement requires 5 daisies for each rose. If you use 4 roses, how many daisies would you need?
9.
The doctor has ordered 1 pill q 6 hours. How many days will 24 pills last?
10. There is 1 computer for every 30 students in the computer lab. How many students will 15 computers
accommodate?
K ey - Ratio / Proportion Practice Problems
1. 100 miles : 6 gallons = 350 miles : x gallons
100 x 2100
100
100
x = 21 gallons
100x = 2100
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 24
2.
20 = x
2 oranges : 3/5 c sugar = x oranges : 3 cups sugar
20 daisies = x
6 = 3/5 x
6 = 3/5 x
3/5 = 3/5
9.
1 pill : 6 hours = x pills : 24 hours
24 = 6 x 24 = 6 x
10 oranges = x
3.
14 eggs : 2 ½ lb = x eggs : 5 lb
6
6
x = 4 pills per 24 hours or 1 day
70 = 2 1/3 x
70 = 2 1/3 x
2 1/3 2 1/3
30 eggs = x
4 pills : 1 day = 24 pills : x days
4 x = 24 4 x = 24
4
4.
3 tab : 3 Gm = x tab : 9 Gm
27 = 3 X
4
x = 6 days
10. 1 computer : 30 students = 15 computers : x
27 = 3x
3 = 3
students
9 tabs = x
1 x = 450
x = 450 students
5.
3 qt alcohol : 8 qt sol = x qt alcohol : 20 qt sol
60 = 8x
60 = 8x
8
8
7 ½ qt alcohol = x
6.
8 lb berries : 4 lb sugar = 10 lb berries : x lb sugar
8 x = 40
8 x = 40
8
8
x = 5 lb sugar
7.
5 scoops : 10 c = x scoops : 15
75 = 10 x
75 = 10x
10
10
7 ½ scoops = x
8.
5 daisies : 1 rose = x daisies : 4 roses
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 25
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
P. O. Medication Practice Problems
1.
The doctor orders Ampicillin 1.5 Gm. The drug label reads 600 mg per scored tablet. How many tablets does
the patient receive?
2.
The doctor orders Benadryl 75 mg. The drug label reads 0.025 Gm per tablet. How many tablets are needed?
3.
The doctor orders Phenobarbital gr ss. The drug comes in 60 mg tablets. How many tablets would you give?
4.
The order is for Tylenol gr X. The drug comes gr V per dram. How many milliliters should the patient receive
5.
The doctor orders Chloral Hydrate 50 mg. The drug labels reads elixir 0.025 Gm/ml. How many milliliters
should the patient receive?
6.
The order is for Dilantin 75 mg. The drug label reads Dilantin 50 mg/5 ml. How many milliliters should the
patient receive?
7.
The doctor orders Gantrisin 1.5 Gm stat. The drug label reads 7.5 gr per tablet. How many tablets should the
patient receive?
8.
The order is for Motrin 300 mg. The drug is available as gr x scored tablets. How many tablets will you give?
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 26
9.
The order is for Amoxil suspension 300 mg. The drug label reads gr i per milliliter. How many milliliters
should the patient receive?
10.
The physician orders Codeine 30mg prn for pain. The drug label reads gr ¼ per tablet.
you give?
11.
Prednisone 60 mg is ordered. On hand are 15 mg tablets. How many will you give?
12.
Digoxin 0.125 mg is ordered. Available is elixir labeled .05 mg/ml. How many ml will you give?
13.
Codeine gr 1/6 is ordered'. Available is 5 mg tabs. How many will you give?
14.
Aspirin gr X is ordered. On hand are 325mg tablets. How many will you give?
15.
Dilaudid gr iss is ordered. On hand are gr i scored tablets. How many will you give?
16.
Ceclor 375 mg is ordered. Available are 250 mg scored tablets. How many will you give?
17.
Augmenter 600 mg is ordered. On hand is 500 mg/5 ml. How many ml will you give?
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
How many tablets will
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 27
18.
Nitrobid gr XV is ordered. Available are gr X scored tablets. How many will you give?
19.
Phenobarbital gr 1/300 has been ordered. Available is gr 1/150 per ml. How many ml will you give?
20.
The physician orders Seconal gr XXX. The drug label reads 1 Gm per tablet. many tablets should the patient
receive?
21.
The order is for Lanoxin .5 mg. The drug label reads 0.25 mg per tablet. How many tablets should the patient
receive?
22.
Lasix 20 mg is ordered. The drug label reads 10 mg per tablet. How many tablets should the patient receive?
23.
The physician orders Decadron 1 mg. The drug label reads 2 mg per scored tablet. How many tablets should
the patient receive?
24.
The physician orders Tetracycline 500 mg. The drug label reads 1 Gm per scored tablet. How many tablets
should the patient receive?
25.
The order is Synthroid 125 mcg. The drug label reads 0.125 mg per tablet. How many tablets should the
patient receive?
26.
Phenobarbital gr 1 ½ is ordered. The drug label reads gr ½ per tablet. many tablets should the patient receive?
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 28
27.
Mylanta ½ oz is ordered. How many milliliters should the patient receive?
28.
The physician orders Lasix 30 mg. The drug label reads 5 mg/ml. How many milliliters should the patient
receive?
29.
Penicillin 250,000 U is ordered. The drug label reads 100,000 U/ml. How many milliliters should the patient
receive?
30.
M.O.M. 20 ml is ordered. How many teaspoons should the patient receive?
31.
The doctor orders 0.1 Gm of a medication. On hand is 50 mg/5 ml. How many ml will you give?
32.
Ampicillin 500 mg is ordered. Available is 250 mg / 5 ml. How many drams would you give?
K ey - P. O. Medication Practice Problems
1.
X = .075 g
1000 mg : 1 g = X mg : 1.5 g
1000 x 1.5
X = 1500 mg
.025 mg : 1 tab = .075 g : X g
.025 X = .075
X = 3 tabs
600 mg : 1 tab = 1500 mg : X tabs
600 x = 1500
X - 2.5 tabs
3.
2.
1000 mg : 1 g = 75 mg : x g
1000 x = 75
60 mg : 1 gr = X mg : ½ gr
X = 30 mg
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 29
¼ gr : 1 tab = ½ gr : x tab
¼X=½
X = 2 tabs
60 mg : 1 tab = 30 mg : x tab
60 X = 30
X = ½ tab
4.
5 gr : 1 dr = 10 gr : X dr
5 X = 10
X = 2 dr
11.
1 tab : 15 mg = X tab : 60 mg
60 = 15 X
X = 4 tabs
12.
0.05 mg : 1 ml = 0.125 : X ml
.05 X = .125
X = 2.5 ml
13.
1 gr : 60 mg = 1/6 gr : X mg
X = 10 mg
1 tab : 5 mg = X tab “ 10 mg
10 = 5 X
X = 2 tabs
14.
1 gr : 64 mg = 10 g : X mg
X = 640 mg
1 dr : 4 ml = 2 dr : X ml
X = 8 ml
5.
1 Gm : 1000 mg = X Gm : 50 mg
50 = 1000 X
X = .05 Gm
0.025 Gm : 1 ml = .05 : X ml
.025 X = .05
X = 2 ml
6.
7.
8.
50 mg : 5 ml = 75 mg : X ml
50 X = 375
X = 7.5 ml
1 tab : 7.5 gr = X tab : 22.5 gr
22.5 = 7.5 X
3 tabs = X
15.
1 gr : 1 tab = 1 ½ gr : X mg
1X=1½
X = 1 ½ tabs
60 mg : 1 gr = 300 mg : X gr
60 X = 300
X = 5 gr
16.
1 tab : 250 mg = X tab : 375 mg
375 = 250 X
X = 1 ½ tabs
17.
500 mg : 5 ml = 600 mg : x ml
500 X - 3000
X = 6 ml
18.
10 gr : 1 tab = 15 gr : X tab
10 X - 15
X = 1 ½ tabs
1 gr : 1 ml = 5 gr : X ml
1X=5
X = 5 ml
19.
gr 1/150 : 1 ml = gr 1/300 : X ml
1/150 X = 1/300
X = ½ ml
60 mg : 1 gr = 30 mg : X gr
60 X = 30
X = ½ gr
20.
15 gr : 1 Gm = 30 gr : X
10 gr : 1 tab = 5 gr : x tab
10 X = 5
X = ½ tab
9.
10.
1 tab : 325 mg = X tab : 640 mg
640 = 325 X
X = 1.97 = 2 tabs
15 gr : 1 Gm = X gr : 1.5 Gm
1 X = 22.5
X = 22.5 gr
60 mg : 1 gr = 300 mg : X gr
60 X = 300
X = 5 gr
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 30
15 X = 30
X = 2 Gm
31.
50 mg : 5 ml = 100 : X ml
50 X - 500
X = 10 ml
1 tab : 1 Gm = X tab : Gm
2=X
X = 2 tabs
21.
1 tab : 0.25 mg = X tab : 0.5 mg
.5 = .25 X
X = 2 tab
22.
10 mg : 1 tab = 20 mg : X tab
10 X = 20
X = 2 tabs
23.
1 tab : 2 mg = X tab : 1 mg
1=2X
½ tab = X
24.
1000 mg : 1 g = 500 mg : X g
1000 X = 500
X = .5 g
1 Gm 1000 mg = 0.1 Gm : X
X = 100 mg
32.
250 mg : 5 ml = 500 mg : X ml
250 X = 2500
X = 10 ml
1 dram : 4 ml = X dram : 10 ml
10 = 4 X
2.5 dram = X
1 tab : 1 g = X tab : .5 g
.5 = X
½ tab + X
25.
1000 mcg : 1 mg = 125 mcg : X mg
1000 X = 125
X = .125 mg = 1 tab
26.
½ gr : 1 tab = 1 ½ gr : X tab
½X=1½
X = 3 tabs
27.
1 : 30 ml = ½ : X ml
X - 15 ml
28.
5 mg : 1 ml = 30 mg : X ml
5 X - 30
X - 6 ml
29.
100,000 U : 1 ml = 250,000 : X ml
1000,000 X = 250,000
X = 2.5 ml
30.
1 tsp : 5 ml = X tsp : 2 ml
20 = 5 X
X = 4 tsp
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 31
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Review Test - P.O. Medications
Directions:
Solve the following Problems
1.
Patient has 500 mg Ceclor ordered tid. Ceclor comes 250 mg/ml. How many ml would the patient receive?
2.
Keflex 0.5 Gm is ordered. Available is 250 mg capsule. How many capsules will you give?
3.
You are to give gr. iss Codeine. You have on hand Codeine gr i per 5 ml. How many ml will you give?
4.
Tegretol gr XV is ordered. On hand are gr V capsules. How many capsules would you give?
5.
You are to give Chloral Hydrate gr. XV p.c. You have 0.5 gm per ml on hand. How much should you
give?
6.
The physician has ordered Dilantin gr V. The capsules are labeled 100 mg. How many would you give?
7.
The physician orders Doxidan 300 mg p.o. qd. On hand you have Doxidan 0.5 gm/10 ml. You would give
________ ml.
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 32
8.
Physician orders 2 Gm of Motrin. Label reads gr. XV per tab. How many tab(s) would you prepare?
9.
The doctor has ordered 325 mg ASA for elevated temperature. Available is gr V tablets. How many will you
give?
10.
Benadryl gr. ss is ordered. On hand is Benadryl 15 mg capsules. How many would you give?
11.
Dilantin 300 mg is ordered. On hand are 150 mg capsules. How many would you give?
12.
How many drams would you give if the dose ordered is 40 mg and the solution is labeled 100mg/fl oz?
13.
Ampicillin 500 mg is ordered. On hand are scored tablets labeled 1 Gm/tablet. How many will you give?
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 33
14.
The doctor has ordered elixir of Dilantin 0.5 gm a.c. tid. The label reads elixir of Dilantin 250 mg/ml. How
many mls will you give with each dose?
15.
The doctor has ordered Elixir Bromphen 200 mg po. On hand is a bottle labeled Elixir Bromphen 0.1 Gm per 3
ml. How many mls will you give?
16.
The doctor orders 500 mg of Donnatal. On hand are 0.25 Gm tablets. How many tablets will you give?
17.
You are to give Chloral Hydrate 30 mg. How have 0.3 gram per 10 ml on hand. How much should you give?
18.
Synthroid .112 mg is ordered. On hand is Synthroid 0.225 mg per tablet. How many tablets will you give?
19.
Sodium Luminal 60 mg is ordered. The label reads 30 mg/ml. How many ml’s will you give?
20.
The laxative of choice for your patient is MOM 1 ½. How many milliliters will you give to your patient?
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 34
K ey - Review Test - P.O. Medications
Note:
1.
2 ml
2.
2 caps
3.
7.5 ml
4.
3 caps
5.
2 ml
6.
3 caps
7.
6 ml
8.
2 tabs
9.
1 tab
10.
2 caps
11.
2 caps
12.
3 drams (3.2 drams)
13.
½ tabs
14.
2 ml
15.
6 ml
16.
2 tabs
17.
1 ml
18.
½ tab
19.
2 ml
20.
45 ml
All answers must be labeled properly or the problem will be counted wrong.
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 35
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Types of Syringes
Syringes used to measure parenteral drugs for administration, are calibrated in cubic centimeters (cc) or
milliliters (ml) and are available in a variety of sizes (ie: 3 cc, 5 cc). The smaller syringes (ie: 2 ½ cc, 3 cc)
usually are calibrated in tenths of a cc (ie: 0.2 cc, 0.3 cc, 0.8 cc) and in minims.
The tuberculin (TB) syringe is a 1-milliliter syringe calibrated in tenths and in hundredths of a milliliter (ie: 0.3
ml, .35 ml) and in minims (ie: 16 m/1 ml)
The insulin Syringe is calibrated in Units (U). There are two sizes of insulin syringes, one is a 1cc syringe
marked in 100 units. The other is a ½ cc syringe marked off in 50 units. Only insulin syringes should be used
to administer insulin.
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 36
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 37
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Parenteral Medication Practice Problems
Metric Practice Problems
1.
The physician ordered 100 mcg of thyroxin. The label reads 0.2 mg/l ml. How many mls will you
prepare?
2.
The physician ordered 0.5 Gm of Sulfa. The label reads 250 mg per 1 ml. How many mls will you give?
3.
The physician ordered 1 Gm of antibiotic IM. The label reads 250 mg per ml.
give?
4.
The physician ordered 750 mg of Amoxil IM. The label reads 125 mg per ml. How much will you give?
5.
How many mls will you
The physician ordered 300 mg of Keflex IM. The label reads 1 Gm per 2.5 ml. How many mls would
you give?
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 38
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Parenteral Medication Practice Problems
Apothecary System
Example:
Physician ordered gr 1/6 morphine SQ. Label reads gr ½ per cc. How many cc(s) would you
prepare?
gr 1/6 : X cc = gr ½ : 1 cc
½ X = 1/6
½ x = 1/6
½
½
X = 1/6 x 2/1 = 2/6 = 1/3
X = .33 cc
1.
Physician ordered gr ½ codeine IM. Label reads gr 1 per 2 cc. How many cc(s) would you give?
2.
Physician ordered gr 1/6 morphine SQ. Label reads gr ¼ per cc. How many cc(s) would you prepare?
3.
Physician ordered gr 1/200 of Atropine. Label reads gr 1/100 per cc. How many cc(s) would you give?
4.
Physician ordered gr 1/150 of Seconal. Label reads gr 1/300 per 0.5 cc. How many cc(s) would you
give?
5.
Physician ordered gr 0.5 of Scopolamine. Label reads gr 2.5 per 1 cc. How many cc(s) would you
give?
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 39
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Parenteral Medication Practice Problems
Conversion to Minims
Example:
Physician orders 50 mg of a drug which is supplied as 75 mg in each .5 ml. How many minims
would you prepare?
50 mg : X = 75 : .5 ml
75 X = 50 X .5
75 X = 25.0
X = 25/75 = 1/3 = .333
X = .33 ml
To convert to minims, you can use 15 or 16 m per cc.
x
.33
15
165
33
4.95 or 5 minims
x
.33
16
198
33
5.28 or 5 minims
Always round to the nearest whole number when converting to Minims.
1.
Physician orders 15 mg of a drug. On hand is 25 mg per cc. How many minims would you prepare?
2.
Ordered is 40 mg of a drug. On hand is 100 mg per ml. How many minims would you prepare?
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 40
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Parenteral Medication Practice Problems
Conversion between Apothecary and Metric System
Example:
Physician ordered gr 1/100 of Scopolamine. Label reads 0.3 mg/l ml. How many ml(s) would
you prepare?
60 mg : 1 gr = X mg : 1/100 gr
X = 60 x 1 = 60
1
100 100
X = 0.6 mg
0.3 mg : 1 ml = 0.6 mg : X ml
0.3 X = 0.6
X = 2 ml
NOTE: Answer will vary slightly when using 60/64/65 mg = 1 gr
1.
Physician ordered gr V of a drug. Label reads 0.6 Gm per 1 cc. How many cc would you give?
2.
Physician ordered Demerol 75 mg. Label reads gr V per ml. How many ml(s) would you give?
3.
Physician ordered 1/100 gr Atropine. Label reads 0.4 mg per ml. How many ml(s) would you prepare?
4.
Physician ordered 300 mg of a drug. Label reads gr X per ml. How many ml(s) would you give?
5.
Physician ordered 0.6 mg of a drug. Label reads gr 1/150 per ml. How many ml(s) would you prepare?
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 41
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Parenteral Medication Practice Problems
Reconstitution
Example:
Note:
The physician orders 300,000 units of Penicillin. It is supplied in a drug powder vial. Directions
state: Add 10 ml of sterile saline to obtain 100,000 units per ml.
Desired dosage is 300,000 units. Available dosage is 100,000 units/1 ml.
300,000 units : x ml = 100,000 units : 1 ml
300,000 = 100,00 X
300,000
100,000
=
X
3 ml = X
1.
Ordered is 300,000 U Penicillin IM q 6 hours. Directions on the vial state "Add 1.4 ml sterile water to
make 600,000 units of Penicillin per 2ml. How many ml will you give?
2.
Physician orders Sodium Oxacillin 500 mg IM. You have a vial that reads: “Add 5 ml sterile water for
injection. Each 1.5 ml of solution contains 600 mg .” How many ml will you give?
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 42
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Parenteral Medication Practice Problems
Heparin
Heparin is an anticoagulant supplied in units and administered subcutaneously or intravenously.
Example:
The physician has ordered Heparin 3,500 units. On hand is a vial containing 5,000 units / 1 ml.
How many ml will you give?
5000 : 1 = 3,500 : X
5000
X =
3500
X =
3500
5000
X =
0.7 ml
1.
Ordered is Heparin 7,500 units. On hand is Heparin 10,000 U/1 ml.
How many ml will you give?
2
Ordered is Heparin 17,000 U. On hand you have Heparin 25,000 U/1 ml.
How many ml will you give?
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 43
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Parenteral Medication Practice Problems
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone supplied in units and administered subcutaneously or intravenously. Only insulin
syringes should be used to administer insulin.
Example:
The physician has ordered 45 units NPH U 100 Insulin and 10 units Regular Insulin every am.
How many units total would you give?
45 units + 10 units = 55 units Insulin
1.
3 units Reg U100 Insulin and 14 units NPH U100 Insulin is ordered. How many total units will you give?
2.
Which insulin syringe would be most preferable to use - the ½ cc or the 1 cc?
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 44
K ey - Parenteral Medications Practice Problems
Metric Problems
Conversion between Systems
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
0.5 ml
2 mls
4 ml
6 mls
0.75 ml
.5 cc (use 1gr = 60mg)
0.25 ml
1.5 ml
0.5 ml
1.5 ml
Apothecary Problems
Reconstitution Problems
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1. 1 ml
2. 1.3 ml
1 cc
0.67 cc
0.5 cc
1 cc
0.2cc
Heparin Problems
Conversion to Minims Problems
1. 0.75 ml
2. 0.68 ml
1. 9 minims (use 15 minims to get a whole number)
2. 6 minims (use 15 minims to get a whole number)
Insulin Problems
1. 17 units
2. ½ cc syringe
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 45
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
NURSING 1229
Review Test - Parenteral Medications (Injection)
1.
On hand is Ampicillin 500 mg / ml. The order reads Ampicillin 0.25 Gm IM. How many ml will you
give?
2.
Morphine Sulfate gr 1/10 IM is ordered. On hand is 10 mg per ml. How many ml will you give?
3.
Procaine Penicillin 400,000 units is ordered. On hand is 300,000 U / ml. How many ml will you give?
4.
Nembutal gr ii is ordered. On hand is 100 mg/1 cc. How many minims will you give?
5.
Methicillin 300 mg IM q 6 hr is ordered. The vial is labeled 1 Gm/2 ml. How many ml will you give?
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 46
6.
Ordered is Pentobarbital 50 mg and Scopolamine gr 1/300 IM. Available is Pentobarbital 100mg/ml
and Scopolamine 0.4 mg/ 0.5 ml. How many ml of Pentobarbital and how many ml of Scopolamine will
you give?
7.
Ordered Atropine Sulfate gr 1/200 IM. The 2 ml prefilled syringe is labeled Atropine Sulfate 0.5 mg.
How many ml will you give?
8.
Ordered is Vancomycin .2 Gm IM qid. It is available as 50 mg / 0.5 ml. How many ml will you give?
9.
Heparin 7,500 U is ordered. On hand is 5,000 U/1 ml. How many ml will you give?
10.
55 units of NPH U100 Insulin and 12 units of Reg. Insulin is ordered every am. How many units would
you give?
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 47
K ey - Review Test - Parenteral Medications (Injection)
1.
0.5 ml
2.
0.6 ml
3.
1.3 ml
4.
18 minims
5.
0.6 ml
6.
0.5 ml Pentobarbital
0.25 ml Scopolamine
7.
1.2 ml
8.
2 ml
9.
1.5 ml
10.
67 units
C:\Documents and Settings\jacarrillo\Desktop\reorientationclinical\Drug Calc Study Guide Part I rev0403.wpd updated o5.wpd
Revised:
Spring
2003
Page 48