Calculations

Question 1

What is the formula for medication calculations?

Answer 1

NHS - Need, Have, Stock

Prescribed dose (need) / Stock dose (have in stock)

Question 2

What is the order for administrating for tablet medicines

Answer 2

1. Check weight of the infant or child
2. Check what you need, check dose is appropriate, check what stock you have got and calculate the dose
3. Dispense the correct dose, splitting tablets isn’t recommended but can be dissolved or crushed in water to facilitate administration to the child

Question 3

What is the calculation formula for liquid medications?

Answer 3

Prescribed dose / stock dose X volume of solution

Or

What you need ‘N’ / What you have ‘H’ x volume of solution ‘S’

Question 4

How to administer liquid medicines

Answer 4

First check what you need, check the dose is appropriate and check what stock you have got
Calculate how much liquid to administer and estimate the dose using calculator. Consider if the answer is logical
Measure correct volume and double check with a registered nurse and do a visual check that the correct volume of medicine has been drawn up into syringe