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NURS 301

I.     Course Title: Dosage Calculations

II.    Course Number: NURS 301

III.    Credit Hours: 1 credit

V.    Course Description:

This course reviews basic mathematics used by nurses for dosage calculation of medications and solutions. It focuses on calculating medication dosages (oral and parenteral), intravenous fluid flow rates and infusion time, and preparation of solutions. Students learn how to interpret medication orders and drug labels.

VI.    Detailed Course Description: 

The objectives and content of this Level 1 course facilitate achievement of the College’s program outcomes as well as the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education (AACN). Additionally, the major topics and skills covered in this course represent content covered on standardized achievement examinations and the NCLEX-RN test plan. Current research, advanced nursing theory, and evidence based clinical practice guide content development and course design. 

Topical Outline: 

  1. Review of Basic Arithmetic needed for dosage calculation  
  2. Review of Metric & Household Systems of measurement 
  3. Drug Abbreviations, Labels, and Packaging 
  4. Calculations of Oral Medications: Solid & Liquid 
  5. Calculations of Liquids for Injection 
  6. Calculations of Basic IV Drip Rates 
  7. Special Types of IV Calculations 
  8. Dosage Problems for Infants and Children (i.e., weight-based medications) 

 

VII.    Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The following teaching strategies will be employed but not limited to: Readings, lecture/discussion, practice problems, group work, written assignments.

 

VIII.    Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: 

  1. Recall the units, abbreviations, and symbols used in the metric, apothecary, and household systems of measurement.  
  2. Apply the rules of problem solving to calculate equivalent quantities among the three systems of measurement accurately.  
  3. Interpret provider’s orders and drug labels to calculate doses for non-parenteral and parenteral medications. 
  4. Calculate dosages for non-parenteral and parenteral medications and solutions.  
  5. Calculate dosages for medications based on body weight.  
  6. Perform calculations necessary to prepare solutions by diluting stock solutions and prepare solutions from pure drugs.  
  7. Calculate IV solution infusion rates and infusion times.

 

IX.    Assessment Measures

May include but are not limited to: 

  • Exams; Quizzes 
  • Practice problems 
  • Class Participation 
  • Individual and group activities 

 

X.    Other Course Information

None.

 

XI.   Date of Syllabus Approval: 12-7-12

March 18, 2026

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