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

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.

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.