Pediatric & Geriatric Dosing
This rule calculates pediatric dose based on weight
What is Clark’s Rule?
Typical IM needle size
What is 20–22 gauge, 1–2 inch needle?
Fastest absorption route for drug action
What is IV administration?
First step before preparing any medication
What is check drug order and allergies?
Patient coughs while taking pills—priority action
What is stop and assess ability to swallow?
Formula for pediatric dosing using Clark’s Rule
What is
(Weight ÷ 150 lb) × Adult dose?
This technique prevents medication leakage into subcutaneous tissue
What is the Z-track technique?
Priority before giving meds via NG tube
What is verify placement (check pH 0–5)?
Why gloves are required with topical medications
What is prevent nurse absorption of drug?
NG tube pH is 7—what does this indicate?
What is tube not in stomach (DO NOT give meds)?
Why elderly patients need more time for medications
What is slower swallowing and increased risk for choking?
After a Z-track injection, this should NOT be done
What is massage the site?
After NG medication administration, clamp tube for this long
What is 30 minutes?
Proper inhaler technique includes this sequence
What is exhale → inhale medication deeply?
IV site is swollen, cool, and painful
What is infiltration—stop IV immediately?
Priority nursing action when giving meds to elderly
What is remain at bedside until medication is swallowed?
Signs of infiltration
What are pain, swelling, and redness?
Medications through NG tube should be given this way
What is one at a time, crushed only if appropriate?
Most common cause of needlestick injury
What is recapping needles?
Patient using inhaler incorrectly (sprays before inhaling)—result?
What is medication remains in throat, not lungs?
Crushing medications without checking can cause this
What is altered absorption or toxicity?
Correct site for Z-track injections
What is the ventrogluteal site?
First troubleshooting step when IV is not infusing
What is check for kinks or obstruction in tubing?
A nurse prepares medications for an NG tube patient, crushes all medications together, confirms placement without checking pH, administers quickly, and reconnects suction immediately. What is the MOST serious error?
What is failure to verify NG tube placement before medication administration (risk of aspiration/lung administration)?
Nurse crushes extended-release medication and administers—risk?
What is dose dumping and potential toxicity?