Pharmacology, which is the science of drugs, is a great responsibility to any allied health professional. Medication mistakes made can injure or even cause the death of a patient. It is important to begin with a good working knowledge of the foundations of pharmacology. This chapter provides an overview of the role of drugs in ambulatory medical facilities. | 52 Dosage Calculation Explain the role of the medical assistant to ensure safe dosage calculations. Identify systems of measurements and their common uses. Convert among systems of measurements. Learning Outcomes Execute dosage calculations accurately. Calculate dosages based upon body weight and body surface area. Learning Outcomes Introduction Administer medications Close attention to detail Dosage calculation must be accurate Basic math Systems of measurement Conversions within or between measurement systems Calculations for special patient populations Learning Outcome: Explain the role of the medical assistant to ensure safe dosage calculations. As a medical assistant, you may be called upon to administer medications. Dosage calculations must be completed carefully and accurately in order to prevent medication errors. This chapter will provide the basics of safe dosage calculations. Remember to check the scope of practice in your state and | 52 Dosage Calculation Explain the role of the medical assistant to ensure safe dosage calculations. Identify systems of measurements and their common uses. Convert among systems of measurements. Learning Outcomes Execute dosage calculations accurately. Calculate dosages based upon body weight and body surface area. Learning Outcomes Introduction Administer medications Close attention to detail Dosage calculation must be accurate Basic math Systems of measurement Conversions within or between measurement systems Calculations for special patient populations Learning Outcome: Explain the role of the medical assistant to ensure safe dosage calculations. As a medical assistant, you may be called upon to administer medications. Dosage calculations must be completed carefully and accurately in order to prevent medication errors. This chapter will provide the basics of safe dosage calculations. Remember to check the scope of practice in your state and at your place of employment before working with dosages. Ensuring Safe Dosage Calculations Minor math errors major error in dosage Each time you calculate a dosage Analyze the problem Estimate a range Is the answer reasonable? Learning Outcome: Explain the role of the medical assistant to ensure safe dosage calculations. You must understand and be able to perform basic math accurately. A minor mistake in basic math can mean major errors in the patient’s medication. Think about your answer and determine if it is reasonable. Every time you perform a calculation, analyze the problem and try to estimate a reasonable range for the answer. This critical thinking skill can help you to detect errors and should become a part of every calculation you perform. Measurement Systems Three systems Metric ~ most common Apothecary Household Focus on the basic units of Volume Weight Learning Outcome: Identify systems of measurements and their common uses. Three systems of measurement
