Reference sheets · Problem type checklist
Printable reference
Printable dosage problem type checklist
Every problem type, the formula it uses, and the mistake students make most often on it.
Problem types - Problem type checklist. Every problem type, the formula it uses, and the mistake students make most often on it.| Problem type | Formula | Most common mistake |
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| Oral tablets | Tablets = (Desired dose ÷ dose On hand) × Quantity per tablet | Inverting the fraction (dividing have by desired) - always put the unit you want on top. |
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| Oral liquids | Volume (mL) = (Desired dose ÷ dose On hand) × Quantity (mL) | Using the strength (mg) as the answer volume instead of multiplying by the mL the strength comes in. |
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| IV drip rate (gtt/min) | gtt/min = (Volume mL ÷ Time min) × Drop factor (gtt/mL) | Leaving time in hours instead of converting to minutes. |
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Teaching conventions used throughout: 1 kg = 2.2 lb, 1 grain = 60 mg, 1 fl oz = 30 mL. Study reference only.
Every row here is also free to read in full on its own page: problem-type lessons.