Drug Dosage Calculations for the Emergency Care Provider (2nd Edition)

Utilizing a simple, systematic approach, this comprehensive and practical book provides readers with all the tools necessary to solve just about every type of dosage and calculation problem. A step-by-step approach guides learners through the areas that pose the greatest challenges: mathematics, systems of measurement, the metric system, and systematic drug dosage calculation problem solving. Section I focuses on fractions and basic algebra functions essential to understanding and solving drug dose calculation. Section II discusses the history of systems of measurement, reviews the old customary system, and provides a complete explanation of the metric system and the federally approved rules governing the metric system in the United States. Section II explains in detail each type of dosage calculation problem that may be encountered in the emergency setting, with each chapter providing the building blocks for the next For the special group of professionals who dedicate themselves to the service of emergency patients.

Utilizing a simple, systematic approach, this comprehensive resource provides all the tools necessary to solve just about every type of dosage and calculation problem. A step-by-step approach guides readers through mathematics, systems of measurement, the metric system, and systematic drug dosage calculation problem-solving.

• Revised and updated to include the most recent drug changes made by the FDA.
• Hundreds of practice problems that incorporate realistic patient scenarios, protocols, and the latest trends in treatment management.
• A clear and logical explanation of LV drip calculations.
• Pre- and Post-Tests streamline studies.
• Sectional organization features clear objectives and explanations.

Alan A. Mikolaj, B.S. received his introduction to prehospital care from his mother. She volunteered as an EMT -1 for the Timber Lakes Volunteer Fire Department near Houston, Texas. It was watching her (and listening to her stories) that prompted him to take a position in 1979 as an emergency dispatcher for the Woodlands Fire Department and South Montgomery County. In 1982 he received his Emergency Medical Technician training through the Montgomery County Hospital District and the Timber Lakes Volunteer Fire Department. He has served in the U.S. Army as a combat medic/Battalion Aid Station noncommissioned officer in-charge at Ft. Carson, Colo., in a mechanized infantry unit. As a practical nurse at Brooke Army Medical Center's (BAMC) Female Surgical Orthopedic Ward at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, Mr. Mikolaj received special experience in the postsurgical clinical environment. While at Ft. Sam Houston, he also held the position of triage specialist in BAMC's emergency room. While in the Army, he attended night school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, earning his paramedic certification. Mr. Mikolaj has worked in all areas of the prehospital care environment. He has worked for locally governed 911/ACLS services, private ambulance services, in the offshore environment, and in the training and educational arenas at both the community college and university levels. He has taught and been preceptor to hundreds of students, both civilian and military. He obtained his bachelor's of science degree in psychology from Sam Houston State University. He is currently enrolled there as a graduate student in the Master of Clinical Psychology Program. Mr. Mikolaj works as a licensed paramedic in the Houston area and volunteers regularly with the Bluebonnet Critical Incident Stress Management organization serving the greater Houston area.

There continues to be a need for a dosage calculations textbook written specifically for emergency care providers, especially prehospital care providers. Because of the expanding nature of the curriculum in prehospital and emergency medicine, most textbooks simply don't have the space necessary to cover the subject in any detail. Many students (and even some faculty) enter the classroom, and unfortunately sometimes into practice, needing an additional resource when it comes to dosage calculations.

This second edition retains the heart of the first: a simple, step-by-step approach focusing on explanation and understanding, organization, and accuracy. While working in the field and in the classroom, I have noticed three distinct areas that pose consistent challenges to both students and practicing emergency health care providers (EMS personnel, nurses, ER physicians, etc.). Those three areas constitute the three sections of Drug Dosage Calculations for the Emergency Care Provider: (1) Mathematics and Fractions Review, (2) Systems of Measurement, and (3) Emergency Drug Dosage Calculations. Not all students require help or instruction in all three areas. Some students may only need instruction or review in one or two areas. Other students may need partial review or instruction in specific sections of all three areas. Still, there are others who will need comprehensive review or instruction in all three areas. Today's adult education and continuing education must take these types of issues into account in order to be successful. This small book was designed to meet those needs. It can stand alone as a continuing education course or be incorporated into existing programs as a supplementary text.

Drug Dosage Calculations for the Emergency Care Provider was written for a special group of people who dedicate themselves to the service of emergency patients. Section One focuses on fractions and basic algebra functions essential to understanding and solving drug dosage calculations. Many students of all ages and careers have used this section to brush up on fractions, decimals, percentages, and basic math skills. Section Two explains the history of systems of measurement, reviews the old customary system, and provides a complete explanation of the metric system and the federally approved rules governing the metric system in the United States. It then describes different techniques for converting between systems. Section Three explains each type of dosage calculation problem that may be encountered in the emergency setting in detail with each chapter providing the building blocks for the next. Alternate techniques/methods of solving problems are presented to accommodate the diversified backgrounds oaf emergency health care professionals. There are plenty of practical problems that complement emergency pharmacology and prepare the student for practical application.

The second edition has been updated with the addition of new drugs and dosages in practice and test problems. Expanded exercises offer more practice for the student. Refinements in explanation and organization can be found throughout the text. With its simple, easy-to-read format and practical approach, Drug Dosage Calculations for the Emergency Care Provider will make an outstanding addition to your emergency health care training.

I would like to extend special recognition and my sincerest appreciation to the following individuals who served as reviewers. Their scrutiny, suggestions, and support are greatly valued!

There continues to be a need for a dosage calculations textbook written specifically for emergency care providers, especially prehospital care providers. Because of the expanding nature of the curriculum in prehospital and emergency medicine, most textbooks simply don't have the space necessary to cover the subject in any detail. Many students (and even some faculty) enter the classroom, and unfortunately sometimes into practice, needing an additional resource when it comes to dosage calculations.

This second edition retains the heart of the first: a simple, step-by-step approach focusing on explanation and understanding, organization, and accuracy. While working in the field and in the classroom, I have noticed three distinct areas that pose consistent challenges to both students and practicing emergency health care providers (EMS personnel, nurses, ER physicians, etc.). Those three areas constitute the three sections of Drug Dosage Calculations for the Emergency Care Provider: (1) Mathematics and Fractions Review, (2) Systems of Measurement, and (3) Emergency Drug Dosage Calculations. Not all students require help or instruction in all three areas. Some students may only need instruction or review in one or two areas. Other students may need partial review or instruction in specific sections of all three areas. Still, there are others who will need comprehensive review or instruction in all three areas. Today's adult education and continuing education must take these types of issues into account in order to be successful. This small book was designed to meet those needs. It can stand alone as a continuing education course or be incorporated into existing programs as a supplementary text.

Drug Dosage Calculations for the Emergency Care Provider was written for a special group of people who dedicate themselves to the service of emergency patients. Section One focuses on fractions and basic algebra functions essential to understanding and solving drug dosage calculations. Many students of all ages and careers have used this section to brush up on fractions, decimals, percentages, and basic math skills. Section Two explains the history of systems of measurement, reviews the old customary system, and provides a complete explanation of the metric system and the federally approved rules governing the metric system in the United States. It then describes different techniques for converting between systems. Section Three explains each type of dosage calculation problem that may be encountered in the emergency setting in detail with each chapter providing the building blocks for the next. Alternate techniques/methods of solving problems are presented to accommodate the diversified backgrounds of emergency health care professionals. There are plenty of practical problems that complement emergency pharmacology and prepare the student for practical application.

The second edition has been updated with the addition of new drugs and dosages in practice and test problems. Expanded exercises offer more practice for the student. Refinements in explanation and organization can be found throughout the text. With its simple, easy-to-read format and practical approach, Drug Dosage Calculations for the Emergency Care Provider will make an outstanding addition to your emergency health care training.