Nursing Pharmacology (Speedy Study Guides). Speedy Publishing

      Common calculations include - Kg to mg to mcg conversion

      L

      K H D M D C M - - mcg

      G

      liter

      (kilo – hecto – deca – meter – deci – centi – milli – skip – skip – micro)

      gram

      DOSAGE CALCULATIONS

      a. Tablets

      b. mg. to tablets

      c. mg. to ml

      d. units to ml

      e. kg to ml

      f. Half-life calculation

      g. IV rate calculation (hourly infusion rate) AND adjustment

      h. IV rate dosage calculation (based on units per ml, etc.)

      i. Macro- vs. micro-drop tubing

      j. Calculating drops/minute (gtts/min)

      PRINCIPLES OF PHARMACOLOGY

      1. Routes of administration – benefits and problems

      2. Sizes of needles and syringes for injections

      3. Six Rights of Medication Administration; Three Checks

      4. Side effects; adverse effects; paradoxical reactions; toxicity; antagonists

      5. Half-life calculation

      6. Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions

      7. Absorption, metabolism, distribution and excretion

      8. There may be questions on lab values as relevant.

      9. There are pediatric and adult questions.

      10. Immunosuppression precautions (due to meds for cancer, HIV/AIDS, etc.)

      ADMINISTRATION ROUTES

      Sublingual Administration

      • absorbed in mucosa of oral cavities

      • rapid onset of action

      • Place tablet on floor of mouth, close mouth. Do not swallow, hold under tongue until dissolve.

      • Use spray on floor of mouth under tongue and close mouth.

      Buccal

      • place tablet between gum and cheek near back of mouth, close mouth and keep in place until dissolve

      • slower to dissolve and absorb than sublingual

      • Intramuscular injections

      • Given in the vastuslateralis in children up to 3

      • Spread skin taught to bring muscle near surface of skin, with dart-like motion insert needle at 90 degrees

      • Aspirate to determine if needle enter a blood vessel. If there is blood return discard the needle and meds and start procedure over.