STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 1. Identify the importance of accurate dosage calculations for safe, quality, patient-centered nursing care in a variety of health care settings.

 2. Demonstrate critical thinking and clinical judgment needed to calculate dosages.

 3. Demonstrate communication with the healthcare team members, the patient, and the patient’s support persons important information related to dosage calculation.

 4. Use information and patient care technology to support safe medication administration.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I. Patient centered nursing care related to dosage calculation and medication administration that is safe and accurate.

  a. Principles of medication administration

  b. Review of basic math/algebra concepts

  c. Units of measure

 II. Critical thinking and clinical judgment related to dosage calculation and concepts of medication administration

 a. Preparation and concepts of administration of medications

 b. Drug labeling

 c. Dosage calculations (including those based on body weight)

 d. Conversions among measuring systems

 III. Communication with the health care team

 a. Abbreviations and charting

 IV. Information technology and patient care technology

 a. Intravenous administration of fluids and medications

 b. Equipment

 c. Calibrations

 d. Flow rates and adjustments

 e. Documentation