COURSE: FOUNDATION OF NURSING

TOPIC : ADMINISTRATION OF DRUG/MEDICATION

INTRODUCTION

Medication administration is a basic nursing function that involves skillful technique and
consideration of the patient’s development, health status, and safety. Therefore, the nurse
administering medications needs to have background knowledge about drugs, including drug
names, preparations, classifications, adverse effects, and physiologic factors that affect drug
action.

DRUG

A drug or medication is any substance that modifies body functions when taken into the body.

Principles of Medication Administration

“Six Rights” of drug administration

1. The Right Medication – when administering medications, the nurse compares the label of
the medication container with medication form. The nurse does this 3 times:

a. Before removing the container from the drawer or shelf

b. As the amount of medication ordered is removed from the container
c. Before returning the container to the storage

2. Right Dose –when performing medication calculation or conversions, the nurse should have
another qualified nurse check the calculated dose

3. Right Client – an important step in administering medication safely is being sure the
medication is given to the right client. To identify the client correctly, the nurse checks the
medication administration form against the client’s identification bracelet and asks the client
to state his or her name to ensure the client’s identification bracelet has the correct information.

4. Right Route – if the Doctor’s order doesn’t indicate a route of administration, the nurse
consult the prescriber. Likewise, if the specified route is not recommended, the nurse should
alert the prescriber immediately.

5. Right Time

a. The nurse must know why a medication is ordered for certain times of the day and
whether the time schedule can be altered
b. Each institution has are commended time schedule for medications ordered at frequent
interval
c. Medication that must act at certain times are given priority (e.g insulin should be given
at a precise interval before a meal)
6. Right Documentation –Documentation is an important part of safe medication
administration. The documentation for the medication should clearly reflect the client’s name,
the name of the ordered medication, the time, dose, route and frequency and the nurse sign
medication sheet immediately after administration of the drug.

Other principles of drug administration include:

➢ No medication should be given to a patient without a medication order from a licensed

practitioner.
➢ Nurses who administer medications are responsible for their own actions. Question any order
that is illegible or that you consider incorrect. Call the person who prescribed the medication
for clarification.
➢ Be knowledgeable about the medications you administer. You need to know why the client is
receiving the medication. Look up the necessary information if you are not familiar with the
medication.
➢ Federal laws govern the use of narcotics and barbiturates. Keep these medications in a locked
place.
➢ Use only medications that are in a clearly labeled container.
➢ Do not use liquid medications that are cloudy or have changed color.
➢ Calculate drug doses accurately. If you are uncertain, ask another nurse to double-check your
calculations.
➢ Administer only medications personally prepared.
➢ Before administering a medication, identify the client correctly using the appropriate means
of identification, such as checking the identification bracelet.
➢ Do not leave medications at the bedside, with certain exceptions (e.g., nitroglycerin, cough
syrup). Check agency policy.
➢ If a client vomits after taking an oral medication, report this to the nurse in charge, or the
primary care provider, or both.
➢ Take special precautions when administering certain medications; for example, have another
nurse check the dosages of anticoagulants, insulin, and certain IV preparations.
➢ Most hospital policies require new orders from the primary care provider for a client’s
postsurgery care.
➢ When a medication is omitted for any reason, record the fact together with the reason.
➢ When a medication error is made, report it immediately to the nurse in charge, the primary
care provider, or both.
➢ Always check a medication’s expiration date.

Drug types Description

➢ Aerosol spray or foam: A liquid, powder, or foam deposited in a thin layer on the skin by air
pressure
➢ Aqueous solution: One or more drugs dissolved in water
➢ Aqueous suspension: One or more drugs finely divided in a liquid such as water
➢ Caplet: A solid form, shaped like a capsule, coated and easily swallowed
➢ Capsule: A gelatinous container to hold a drug in powder, liquid, or oil form
➢ Cream: A nongreasy, semisolid preparation used on the skin
➢ Elixir: A sweetened and aromatic solution of alcohol used as a vehicle for medicinal agents
➢ Extract: A concentrated form of a drug made from vegetables or animals
➢ Gel or jelly: A clear or translucent semisolid that liquefies when applied to the skin
➢ Liniment: A medication mixed with alcohol, oil, or soapy emollient and applied to the skin
➢ Lotion: A medication in a liquid suspension applied to the skin
 ➢ Lozenge : (troche) A flat, round, or oval preparation that dissolves and releases a drug when
held in the mouth
➢ Ointment: A semisolid preparation of one or more drugs used for application to the skin and
mucous membrane
➢ Paste: A preparation like an ointment, but thicker and stiff, that penetrates the skin less than
an ointment
➢ Pill: One or more drugs mixed with a cohesive material, in oval, round, or flattened shapes
➢ Powder: A finely ground drug or drugs; some are used internally, others externally
➢ Suppository: One or several drugs mixed with a firm base such as gelatin and shaped for
insertion into the body (e.g., the rectum); the base dissolves gradually at body temperature,
releasing the drug
➢ Syrup: An aqueous solution of sugar often used to disguise unpleasant-tasting drugs
➢ Tablet: A powdered drug compressed into a hard small disk; some are readily broken along a
scored line; others are enteric coated to prevent them from dissolving in the stomach
➢ Tincture An alcoholic or water-and-alcohol solution prepared from drugs derived from plants
➢ Transdermal patch A semipermeable membrane shaped in the form of a disk or patch that
contains a drug to be absorbed through the skin over a long period of time

NB:Never crush Enteric-Coated or Sustained Release Tablet”

• Crushing enteric-c-coated tablets – allows the irrigating medication to come in

contact with the oral or gastric mucosa, resulting in mucositis or gastric irritation.
• Crushing sustained-released medication – allows all the medication to be absorbed
at the same time, resulting in a higher than expected initial level of medication and a shorter
than expected duration of action

ROUTES OF DRUG ADMINISTRATION

Oral Administration: administration of drug through the mouth

Advantages

1. The easiest and most desirable way to administer medication

2. Most convenient
3. Safe, does not break skin barrier
4. Usually less expensive

Disadvantages

1. Inappropriate if client cannot swallow and if GIT has reduced motility

2. Inappropriate for client with nausea and vomiting
3. Drug may have unpleasant taste
4. Drug may discolor the teeth
5. Drug may irritate the gastric mucosa
6. Drug may be aspirated by seriously ill patient.
7. It takes time for the effect to be seen
8. Rate of absorption is lowered and absorption is irregular

Sublingual Administration
 • A drug that is placed under the tongue, where it dissolves.
• When the medication is in capsule and ordered sublingually, the fluid must be aspirated
from the capsule and placed under the tongue.
• A medication given by the sublingual route should not be swallowed, or desire effects
will not be achieved

Advantages

1. Same as oral
2. Drug is rapidly absorbed in the bloodstream

Disadvantages

1. If swallowed, drug may be inactivated by gastric juices.

2. Drug must remain under the tongue until dissolved and absorbed

Buccal Administration

• A medication is held in the mouth against the mucous membranes of the cheek until the
drug dissolves.
• The medication should not be chewed, swallowed, or placed under the tongue (e.g
sustained release nitroglycerin, opiates, antiemetic, tranquilizer, sedatives)
• Client should be taught to alternate the cheeks with each subsequent dose to avoid
mucosal irritation

Advantages

1. Same as oral
2. Drug can be administered for local effect
3. Ensures greater potency because drug directly enters the blood and bypass the liver

Disadvantages

If swallowed, drug may be inactivated by gastric juice.

[Link] Administration

• Application of medication to a circumscribed area of the body or administration of drug

directly to the tissue in which it supposed to act upon.

1. Dermatologic – includes lotions, liniment and ointments, powder.

a. Before application, clean the skin thoroughly by washing the area gently with soap and
water, soaking an involved site, or locally debriding tissue.
b. Use surgical asepsis when open wound is present
c. Remove previous application before the next application
d. Use gloves when applying the medication over a large surface. (e.g. large area of burns)
e. Apply only thin layer of medication to prevent systemic absorption.

2. Ophthalmic – includes instillation and irrigation

 a. Instillation – to provide an eye medication that the client requires.
b. Irrigation – To clear the eye of noxious or other foreign materials.
c. Position the client either sitting or lying.
d. Use sterile technique
e. Clean the eyelid and eyelashes with sterile cotton balls moistened with sterile normal
saline from the inner to the outer canthus
f. Instill eye drops into lower conjunctival sac.
g. Instill a maximum of 2 drops at a time. Wait for 5 minutes if additional drops need to
be administered. This is for proper absorption of the medication.
h. Avoid dropping a solution onto the cornea directly, because it causes discomfort.
i. Instruct the client to close the eyes gently. Shutting the eyes tightly causes spillage of
the medication.
j. For liquid eye medication, press firmly on the nasolacrimal duct (inner cantus) for at
least 30 seconds to prevent systemic absorption of the medication.

3. Otic Instillation – to remove cerumen or pus or to remove foreign body

a. Straighten the ear canal:

b. Perform hand hygiene. Apply gloves if drainage is present.
c. Have the client assume a side-lying position (if not contraindicated) with ear to be
treated facing up.
d. Warm the solution at room temperature or body temperature, failure to do so may cause
vertigo, dizziness, nausea and pain.
o 0-3 years old: pull the pinna downward and backward
o Older than 3 years old: pull the pinna upward and backward
e. Instill eardrops on the side of the auditory canal to allow the drops to flow in and
continue to adjust to body temperature
f. Press gently bur firmly a few times on the tragus of the ear to assist the flow of
medication into the ear canal.
g. Ask the client to remain in side lying position for about 5 minutes
h. At times the MD will order insertion of cotton puff into outermost part of the canal. Do
not press cotton into the canal. Remove cotton after 15 minutes.

4. Nasal – Nasal instillations usually are instilled for their astringent effects (to shrink swollen
mucous membrane), to loosen secretions and facilitate drainage or to treat infections of the
nasal cavity or sinuses. Decongestants, steroids, calcitonin.

a. Have the client blow the nose prior to nasal instillation

b. Assume a back lying position, or sit up and lean head back.
c. Elevate the nares slightly by pressing the thumb against the client’s tip of the nose.
While the client inhales, squeeze the bottle.
d. Keep head tilted backward for 5 minutes after instillation of nasal drops.
e. When the medication is used on a daily basis, alternate nares to prevent irritations

5. Inhalation – use of nebulizer, metered-dose inhaler

a) Semi or high-fowler’s position or standing position. To enhance full chest expansion

allowing deeper inhalation of the medication
b) Shake the canister several times. To mix the medication and ensure uniform dosage
delivery
 c) Position the mouthpiece 1 to 2 inches from the client’s open mouth. As the client starts
inhaling, press the canister down to release one dose of the medication. This allows
delivery of the medication more accurately into the bronchial tree rather than being
trapped in the oropharynx then swallowed
d) Instruct the client to hold breath for 10 seconds to enhance complete absorption of the
medication.
e) If bronchodilator, administer a maximum of 2 puffs, for at least 30 second interval.
Administer bronchodilator before other inhaled medication. This opens airway and
promotes greater absorption of the medication.
f) Wait at least 1 minute before administration of the second dose or inhalation of a
different medication by MDI
g) Instruct client to rinse mouth, if steroid had been administered. This is to prevent fungal
infection.

6. Vaginal – drug forms: tablet, liquid (douches), jelly, foam and suppository.

a. Close room or curtain to provide privacy.

b. Assist client to lie in dorsal recumbent position to provide easy access and good
exposure of vaginal canal, also allows suppository to dissolve without escaping through
orifice.
c. Use applicator or sterile gloves for vaginal administration of medications.

• Vaginal Irrigation – is the washing of the vagina by a liquid at low pressure. It is also
called douche.
i. Empty the bladder before the procedure
ii. Position the client on her back with the hips higher than the shoulder (use
bedpan)
iii. Irrigating container should be 30 cm (12 inches) above
iv. Ask the client to remain in bed for 5-10 minute following administration of
vaginal suppository, cream, foam, jelly or irrigation

Rectal Administration

• Can be use when the drug has objectionable taste or odor.

1. Need to be refrigerated so as not to soften.

2. Apply disposable gloves.
3. Have the client lie on left side and ask to take slow deep breaths through mouth and
relax anal sphincter.
4. Retract buttocks gently through the anus, past internal sphincter and against rectal wall,
10 cm (4 inches) in adults, 5 cm (2 in) in children and infants. May need to apply gentle
pressure to hold buttocks together momentarily.
5. Discard gloves to proper receptacle and perform hand washing.
6. Client must remain on side for 20 minute after insertion to promote adequate absorption
of the medication.

Parenteral Administration

This is administration of drugs with syringe and needle.

Advantages of parenteral administration

I. Absorbed quickly therefore, they act faster

II. It’s not destroyed by digestive syste
III. it serve as an alternative route when oral route is contraindicated

Disadvantages

I. Drug cannot be withdrawn once injected

II. Infection may be introduced if equipment used are contaminated

General Principles of Parenteral Administration

1. Check doctor’s order.

2. Check the expiration for medication – drug potency may increase or decrease if
outdated.
3. Observe verbal and non-verbal responses toward receiving injection. Injection can be
painful; client may have anxiety, which can increase the pain.
4. Practice asepsis to prevent infection. Apply disposable gloves.
5. Use appropriate needle size to minimize tissue injury.
6. Plot the site of injection properly to prevent hitting nerves, blood vessels, and bones.
7. Use separate needles for aspiration and injection of medications to prevent tissue
irritation.
8. Introduce air into the vial before aspiration. To create a positive pressure with in the
vial and allow easy withdrawal of the medication.
9. Allow a small air bubble (0.2 ml) in the syringe to push the medication that may remain.
10. Introduce the needle in quick thrust to lessen discomfort.
11. Either spread or pinch muscle when introducing the medication. Depending on the size
of the client.
12. Minimized discomfort by applying cold compress over the injection site before
introduction of medication to numb nerve endings.
13. Aspirate before the introduction of medication. To check if blood vessel had been hit.
14. Support the tissue with cotton swabs before withdrawal of needle. To prevent
discomfort of pulling tissues as needle is withdraw
15. Massage the site of injection to haste absorption.
16. Apply pressure at the site for few minutes. To prevent bleeding.
17. Evaluate effectiveness of the procedure and make relevant documentation.

Intradermal (under the epidermis)

1. The site are the inner lower arm, upper chest and back, and beneath the scapula.
2. Indicated for allergy and tuberculin testing and for vaccinations.
3. Use the needle gauge 25, 26, 27: needle length 3/8”, 5/8” or ½”
4. Needle at 10–15 degree angle; bevel up.
5. Inject a small amount of drug slowly over 3 to 5 seconds to form a wheal or bleb.
6. Do not massage the site of injection. To prevent irritation of the site, and to prevent
absorption of the drug into the subcutaneous tissue.

Subcutaneous– [Link], heparin, preoperative medication, insulin, narcotics.

Sites

outer aspect of the upper arms

• anterior aspect of the thighs

• Abdomen
• Scapular areas of the upper back
• Ventrogluteal
• Dorsogluteal

1. Only small doses of medication should be injected via SC route.

2. Rotate site of injection to minimize tissue damage.
3. Needle length and gauge are the same as for ID injections

• Use 5/8 needle for adults when the injection is to administer at 45 degree angle; ½ is
use at a 90 degree angle.

1. For thin patients: 45 degree angle of needle

2. For obese patient: 90 degree angle of needle
3. For heparin injection: do not aspirate.
4. Do not massage the injection site to prevent hematoma formation
5. For insulin injection: Do not massage to prevent rapid absorption which may result to
hypoglycemic reaction.
6. Always inject insulin at 90 degrees angle to administer the medication in the pocket
between the subcutaneous and muscle layer. Adjust the length of the needle depending
on the size of the client.
7. For other medications, aspirate before injection of medication to check if the blood
vessel had been hit. If blood appears on pulling back of the plunger of the syringe,
remove the needle and discard the medication and equipment.

Intramuscular

• Needle length is 1”, 1 ½”, 2” to reach the muscle layer

• Clean the injection site with alcoholized cotton ball to reduce microorganisms in the
area.
• Inject the medication slowly to allow the tissue to accommodate volume.

Sites:

1. Ventrogluteal site

a. The area contains no large nerves, or blood vessels and less fat. It is farther from the
rectal area, so it less contaminated.
b. Position the client in prone or side-lying.
c. When in prone position, curl the toes inward.
d. When side-lying position, flex the knee and hip. These ensure relaxation of gluteus
muscles and minimize discomfort during injection.
e. To locate the site, place the heel of the hand over the greater trochanter, point the index
finger toward the anterior superior iliac spine, and then abduct the middle (third) finger.
 The triangle formed by the index finger, the third finger and the crest of the ilium is the
site.

2. Dorsogluteal site

a. Position the client similar to the ventrogluteal site

b. The site should not be use in infant under 3 years because the gluteal muscles are not
well developed yet.
c. To locate the site is to imaginary divide the buttock into four quadrants. The upper
outer quadrant is the site of injection. Palpate the crest of the ilium to ensure that the
site is high enough.
d. Avoid hitting the sciatic nerve, major blood vessel or bone by locating the site properly.

3. Vastus Lateralis

a. Recommended site of injection for infant

b. Located at the middle third of the anterior lateral aspect of the thigh.
c. Assume back-lying or sitting position.

4. Rectus femoris site –located at the middle third, anterior aspect of thigh.

5. Deltoid site- Not used often for IM injection because it is relatively small muscle and is very
close to the radial nerve and radial artery.

a. To locate the site, palpate the lower edge of the acromion process and the midpoint on
the lateral aspect of the arm that is in line with the axilla. This is approximately 5 cm
(2 in) or 2 to 3 fingerbreadths below the acromion process.

* IM injection – Z tract injection

b. Used for parenteral iron preparation. To seal the drug deep into the muscles and prevent
permanent staining of the skin.
c. Retract the skin laterally, inject the medication slowly. Hold retraction of skin until the
needle is withdrawn
d. Do not massage the site of injection to prevent leakage into the subcutaneous.

Intravenous

• The nurse administers medication intravenously by the following method:

1. As mixture within large volumes of IV fluids.
2. By injection of a bolus, or small volume, or medication through an existing
intravenous infusion line or intermittent venous access (heparin or saline lock)
3. By “piggyback” infusion of solution containing the prescribed medication and
a small volume of IV fluid through an existing IV line.

• Most rapid route of absorption of medications.

• Predictable, therapeutic blood levels of medication can be obtained.
• The route can be used for clients with compromised gastrointestinal function or
peripheral circulation.
• Large dose of medications can be administered by this route.
 • The nurse must closely observe the client for symptoms of adverse reactions.
• The nurse should double-check the six rights of safe medication.
• If the medication has an antidote, it must be available during administration.
• When administering potent medications, the nurse assesses vital signs before, during
and after infusion.

Nursing Interventions in IV Infusion

1. Verify the doctor’s order

2. Know the type, amount, and indication of IV therapy.
3. Practice strict asepsis.
4. Inform the client and explain the purpose of IV therapy to alleviate client’s anxiety.
5. Prime IV tubing to expel air. This will prevent air embolism.
6. Clean the insertion site of IV needle from center to the periphery with alcoholized
cotton ball to prevent infection.

7. Shave the area of needle insertion if hairy

8. Change the IV tubing every 72 hours. To prevent contamination.
9. Change IV needle insertion site every 72 hours to prevent thrombophlebitis.
10. Regulate IV every 15-20 minutes. To ensure administration of proper volume of IV
fluid as ordered.
11. Observe for potential complications.

Types of IV Fluids

1. Isotonic solution – has the same concentration as the body fluid

o D5 W
o Na Cl 0.9%
o Plain Ringer’s lactate
2. Hypotonic – has lower concentration than the body fluids.
o NaCl 0.3%
3. Hypertonic – has higher concentration than the body fluids.

D10W

D50W

D5LR

Complication of IV Infusion

1. Infiltration – the needle is out of vein, and fluids accumulate in the

subcutaneous tissues.
2. . Circulatory Overload – Results from administration of excessive volume of
IV fluids.

3. Drug Overload – the patient receives an excessive amount of fluid containing drugs.

4. Superficial Thrombophlebitis – it is due to over use of a vein, irritating solution or drugs,

clot formation, large bore catheters.
5. Nerve Damage – may result from tying the arm too tightly to the splint.

6. Speed Shock – may result from administration of IV push medication rapidly.

ADMINISTRATION OF IV FLUID / BLOOD, FLUID BALANCE CHARTS

Intravenous therapy is treatment that infuses intravenous solutions, medications, blood, or

blood products directly into a vein (Perry, Potter, & Ostendorf, 2014). Intravenous therapy is
an effective and fast-acting way to administer fluid or medication treatment in an emergency
situation, and for patients who are unable to take medications orally. Approximately 80% of
all patients in the hospital setting will receive intravenous therapy. The most common reasons
for IV therapy include:

• To replace fluids and electrolytes and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance:
• To administer medications, including chemotherapy, anesthetics, and diagnostic
reagents’.
• To administer blood or blood products:
• To deliver nutrients and nutritional supplements

PROCESS

• greet patient
• Identify right patient
• Verify prescription
• Prepare schedule for iv regime
• Prepare and check IV solution
• Inform and explain procedure to patient
• Listen and respond questions
• Regulate flow as prescribed
• Check patency of line
• Assess site (infusion site) for inflammation.
• Monitor and document.
• Take appropriate measure if adverse reactions is identified

DROP RATE

Is the calculation of infusion volume in drops

It is calculated as: Required amount x drop factor/ Total time in hrs
Drop factor: is the number of drops it take to make up 1ml of fluid
Two common sizes are:
✓ 20 drops per ml (typically for clear fluids)
✓ 15 drops per ml (typically for thicker substances, such as blood)
Example
Doctor prescribed 1 pint of IV fluid normal saline in 24hrs what is the drop rate?
500 X 20 = 7drops/min
24hrs 60

DRUG CALCULATION

Introduction
Sometimes drugs are being dispensed in a different unit from one it is being prescribed with, a
drug may be for example prescribed in mg and the nurse will need to get the exact quantity in
volume to give the client.

To do that you have to be familiar with

1. The various metric unit are popularly used in prescription

2. Simple ways of conversion in order to give the correct measure of a drug to patient or
client

METRIC UNIT APOTHECARIES/HOUSEHOLD

1ml 15drops
4-5mls 1 teaspoon
10 – 15mls 1 tablespoon
30mls 1 fluid ounce
500mls 1 pint
1000mls 1litre
4000mls 1 galloon
30g 1 ounce
1000mg 1 gram
1000g 2.2 pounds (lb)

The basic formula for calculating drug dosages is commonly used and easy to remember:

D = desired dose (i.e., dose ordered by primary care provider)

H = dose on hand (i.e., dose on label of bottle, vial, ampule)
𝐷𝑋𝑉
V = vehicle (i.e., form in which the drug comes, such as tablet or liFormula = = amount to
𝐻
administer, or

Example Order:

Erythromycin 500 mg
On hand: 250 mg in 5 mL
D = 500 mg, H = 250 mg
500 2
×5 = ×5
250 1

= 10𝑚𝑙𝑠

500 mg 250 mg * 5 mL = 2,500 /250 = 10 ml

Calculating children doses

Unlike adult doses children's dosages not always Standard. Body Sizes Significantly affect dosage thus
dosage is Calculated. Children's dosage depends on factors such as their age and weight, their health
status, their respiratory system, and the stage of development of their body systems for drugs
metabolism (e.g., liver enzymes) and elimination (e.g., kidneys).
Newborns are not capable of fully developing these biological functions and systems. It begins during
the second year of life that the nervous and renal systems are developed. E.g Antimicrobial agents are
frequently introduced to newborns, infants, and young children, who mainly excrete them through
their kidneys.
Because antibiotics are the most commonly prescribed drugs in these populations, this is especially
relevant in this case.
Drugs can accumulate in the body and cause overdose and toxicity if the rate of drug elimination is
not considered properly.

The major method used in calculation of children dosages are

1. Young's rule
2. Clarke's rule
3. Fried's rule
4. Using body surface area

Young's Rule- It is uses for children over 1 year of age

It states: Age in years x adult dose

Age in years +12

Example- What is the dose of a drug will you give a child of 3 years when adult dose is 600mg?

Using the above formula

3 x 600 = 120mg
3+12

Clarke's Rule- It is done according to the weight of the child and can be used for children of
all ages

Weight of child in Kg x Adult dose

70kg or
Weight of child in pounds (lbs) x. Adult dose
150 lbs

Example- What is the recommended dose for a child weighing 15kg when the adult dose of a
drug is 250mg

Denoting from the formula

15 X 250. = 53.6mg
70

Fried's Rule: Is used for children under one year

Age of child in month X Adult dose

 150

Example: What dose of ampiclox will you give to a child of 5 month when the adult dose is
500mg

5 X 500 = 50/3 =16.67mg

150

Using Body Surface Area- Child dose is determined using body surface area which is gotten
using a Normograpgh.

This is a graph that uses weight and height to estimate body surface area

Child dose = Surface area of child x. Adult dose

1.7m2

Example - What is the children dose of erythromycin when the adult dose is 500mg and the
body surface area of the dose is 0.4m2

Dose= 0.4m2 X 500 = 117mg

1.7m2
TOPIC: MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION

LECTURER: MRS USMAN ZAINAB ISA