Administering medications in solution often requires calculations. Errors can happen easily, especially when staff members are busy, tired, or distracted. A calculation error can result in a significantly wrong dose, which may cause an adverse drug event. A calculation aid placed directly on the label means staff members administering medications need not make any calculations. A calculation aid on an infusion bag might list several different doses and the flow rates to set to achieve each one, based on the size of the bag and the concentration of the solution.
Tips
- Provide calculations for several different doses, in case the medication order changes while the solution bag is still in use, but highlight the current dose ordered.
