Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
06:08
Evaluation of Drug Sorption to PVC- and Non-PVC-based Tubes in Administration Sets Using a Pump
Published on: March 11, 2017
Teaching drug calculation in nursing education: a comparison study
1Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing, Peoria, IL 61603, USA. Cindy.A.Kohtz@osfhealthcare.org
Nurse Educator
|February 23, 2010
Summary
Incorrect drug dose calculations in nursing lead to errors and patient harm. This study compared dimensional analysis to conventional methods, finding dimensional analysis improved conceptual accuracy in nursing students.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Pharmacology
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Medication errors from incorrect drug dose calculations pose significant risks to patient safety.
- Accurate drug calculation is a critical competency for nursing practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of dimensional analysis versus conventional calculation methods.
- To evaluate the impact of different calculation approaches on nursing students' conceptual accuracy.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study over two academic years involving senior undergraduate nursing students.
- Students were taught and assessed using either dimensional analysis or conventional methods (ratio-proportion, formulas).
- Data analysis focused on conceptual accuracy in drug dose calculations.
Main Results:
- Dimensional analysis demonstrated superior conceptual accuracy compared to conventional methods.
- The study identified specific areas where each method excelled or faltered in terms of student understanding.
Conclusions:
- Dimensional analysis may be a more effective pedagogical approach for teaching drug calculations to nursing students.
- Improving drug calculation accuracy through enhanced teaching methods is crucial for enhancing patient safety.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Dosage Regimens: Designs and Approaches
Designing a dosage regimen, which refers to the manner of drug administration, is a complex process involving the selection of drug dose, route, and frequency. This process is underpinned by pharmacokinetic parameters derived from tests and population averages. These parameters are then tailored to patient-specific variables such as diagnosis, demographics, and allergy status. Once therapy commences, therapeutic response monitoring is critical and achieved through clinical and physical...
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
01:21Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Repetitive IV Injections
Calculating drug dosage and accumulation in multiple-dose regimens is crucial for achieving therapeutic efficacy while avoiding toxicity. This involves determining the plasma drug concentrations over time to optimize dosing schedules. The principle of superposition is fundamental in this process, allowing for the prediction of drug concentration in plasma following multiple doses based on single-dose data.The principle of superposition asserts that the plasma concentration-time curves from...
01:23Dosage Regimen Designs: Nomograms and Tabulations
Nomograms and tabulations are vital tools used by clinicians to design accurate and individualized dosage regimens. These instruments provide a straightforward method for adjusting dosages based on individual patient characteristics, including age, weight, and physiological condition. The foundation of a drug's nomogram is population pharmacokinetic data collected and analyzed using specific models. This data simplifies complex equations, presenting them diagrammatically or tabularly for easy...
01:19Dosage Interval and Administration Route: Determination Methods
A medication’s effectiveness largely depends on its appropriate dosage and the route of administration. Dosage ensures that a sufficient drug concentration is maintained in the bloodstream to elicit the desired therapeutic effect without causing toxicity. The route of administration affects the drug's bioavailability, rate of absorption, and onset of action, which are crucial for achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes. Drug dosage calculations are critical to tailoring therapy to individual...
01:25Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Dose Adjustments Based on Drug Clearance and Elimination Rate Constant
In patients with renal disease, dosage adjustments are necessary to maintain therapeutic plasma drug concentrations and prevent toxicity or subtherapeutic exposure. Renal impairment alters drug pharmacokinetics, especially in conditions like uremia, where changes such as prolonged elimination half-life and altered apparent volume of distribution can significantly affect drug disposition. These changes require careful modification of the dosing regimen to achieve the desired clinical...