Introduction to Drug Calculations

In our healthcare system, many drugs are given in error. Miscalculations are a factor that contributes to this problem. The administration of medicines is a fundamental nursing skill requiring knowledge and skills to safely calculate drug doses and rates of drug administration, administering them to the patient as prescribed. Between 2005-2010, 525,186 incidents were reported with 16% of these causing actual harm. 822 errors resulted in death or severe harm. Medication errors often happen due to the wrong dose, delayed or omitted medication, or the wrong medication being administered.