Doses of medication administered in solutions are affected by flow rates, so it is important to minimize the risk of error when setting flow rates. Provide pre-made dosing charts that list the appropriate flow rates to set for the dose requested. These charts can help staff quickly identify the proper flow rate without having to recall information from memory or do manual calculations.
Tips
- Prepare all solutions in the pharmacy.
- Select one standard solution for each medication if possible to use throughout the organization so that only one dosing chart will need to be created for that medication.
- Laminate the dosing charts so they will last longer.
- Provide copies of the dosing charts to all who order or administer medications, and place several extra copies on patient care units.
