What it means
The full plan for giving a drug. A dose is the amount given at one time (for example, 500 mg); the dosage includes the frequency and length too (500 mg every 8 hours for 7 days). Dosage calculation is the math nurses use to work out how much to give, such as tablets, milliliters or an IV rate.
For the nurse
Check every calculation, use the right units, and have a second nurse check high-alert drugs and pediatric doses as policy requires. Question any dose that seems too high or too low for the client.
At a glance
| Spanish | posología, dosis |
|---|---|
| Also written | dosages |
Related terms
prescription
A written or electronic order from a licensed prescriber for a drug, device or treatment.
toxicity
The harm a substance does to the body, or a state in which a drug has built up to a harmful level.
medication administration record
The part of a client's record that lists every ordered drug, dose, route and time, where nurses record each dose given.