What is the first step in setting up a drug dosage calculation using the formula method?
Determine the frequency of administration
Check the patient's current medications
Assess the patient's vital signs
Identify the desired dose (D)
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Determine the frequency of administration: While knowing how often a medication is given is important for overall therapy, it is not the first step in setting up the formula for calculating a single dose. Frequency comes into play after the dose is determined.
B. Check the patient's current medications: Reviewing the patient’s medication list is essential for safety and preventing interactions, but it is a preparatory step rather than the initial step in the formula calculation.
C. Assess the patient's vital signs: Vital signs provide important clinical information that may influence drug administration, but they do not initiate the formula-based calculation of a specific dose.
D. Identify the desired dose (D): The first step in using the formula D/H × Q is to determine the desired dose prescribed for the patient. This value is essential for calculating the correct amount of medication to administer safely and accurately.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Calculation:
Ordered Dose = 0.8 g
Available Dose = 400 mg
Available Volume = 5 mL
- Convert Ordered Dose to mg
Ordered Dose = 0.8 × 1000
= 800 mg
Volume to administer = (Ordered Dose / Available Dose) × Available Volume
= (800 / 400) × 5
= 2 × 5
= 10 mL
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Quality of the medication: Quality refers to the purity or potency of a drug, which is not represented by 'Q' in the formula method and does not impact the calculation directly.
B. Quantity of the drug form: In the D/H × Q formula, 'Q' represents the quantity of the dosage form available, such as tablets, capsules, or milliliters. This allows the nurse to calculate the exact amount of medication to administer safely.
C. Questioning the dosage: While questioning unclear orders is important for safety, 'Q' in the formula does not represent questioning; it is a mathematical component used to determine dosage.
D. Quick administration: 'Q' does not indicate speed of administration. The formula is used to calculate the correct dose, not the rate at which it is given.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.