1. Calculating Children’s Dosages
UNIT 6
Calculating Children’s Dosages

2. Key Terms
Child
Infancy
Puberty

3. Stages of Development Child Infancy Puberty
Any human from infancy to puberty
Infancy
Birth through end of first year
Puberty
Age of reproductive function
Boys: usually ages 13–15
Girls: usually ages 9–16

4. “7 Rights” of Proper Drug Administration
The Right Patient
The Right Drug
The Right Dose
The Right Route
The Right Time
The Right Technique
The Right Documentation

5. Assess Each Patient Age Weight Physical state Disease process
Mental and emotional state
Level of understanding
Allergies

6. Gain Parental Cooperation
Identify yourself
Call parent and child by name
Explain procedure
Allow parent to assist
May need to have parent leave the room

7. Establish Rapport with Child
Be straightforward and positive
Do not waste time
Explain at child’s level of understanding
Allow child to assist
Show approval for positive behavior

8. Routes of Administration
Depends on
Age, weight, body size
Physical, mental, and emotional state
Disease process
Level of understanding
Properties of medication
Physician’s order
(continues)

9. Routes of Administration
Oral: never force or give if child is crying
Liquid: dropper, syringe, or medicine cup
Solid: may have to be crushed
Do not mix medication into an infant’s formula (bottle)

10. Oral Administration Devices

11. Routes of Administration
Parenteral: requires two people
One person to administer medication
One person to maintain body position
Rectal
May be embarrassing for older children
Child may resist

12. New Dosage Forms Melting tablets Fixed-dose combinations
Inhaled insulin
Long-lasting injections
(continues)

13. New Dosage Forms Delivery devices formulated for easier use
Administration of corticosteroids for asthma using a jet nebulizer (face mask or mouthpiece)
Long-acting formulations
Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can take a 12-hour formulation of Ritalin

14. Dosage Calculation Using Kilogram of Body Weight
Convert lb to kg : 1 kg = 2.2 lb
1 lb = 16 oz
Multiply dose ordered by kg of weight
If ordered in divided doses, divide by number of doses