AGV 267 - Dosage Calculations

1. Accurately convert between units of measurement (e.g., mg ↔ g, mL ↔ L, lb ↔ kg) using standard conversion factors relevant to veterinary practice.
2. Calculate correct drug dosages based on patient weight, concentration of the medication, and prescribed dose, minimizing risk of medication error.
3. Prepare and calculate dilutions and solution concentrations using ratio, percent, and molarity formulas applicable to clinical settings.
4. Determine appropriate fluid rates and volumes for maintenance, replacement, and ongoing losses in small animal patients.
5. Accurately calculate and prepare CRIs, including drug amount, fluid volume, and infusion rates, ensuring therapeutic accuracy and patient safety.
6. Calculate resting energy requirements (RER), daily energy requirements (DER), and food portions based on species, life stage, and medical condition.
7. Perform manual white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet counts to calculate cell concentration per microliter.
8. Measure and calculate urine output in mL/kg/hr to assess renal function and hydration status in hospitalized patients.

Unit Objectives:

Unit 1: Conversions

Objective 1: Practice converting metric, temperature, and weight calculations.

Objective 2: Practice converting mass and volume conversions.

Objective 3: Apply conversions in clinical scenarios.

Unit 2: Dosage Calculations and Constant Rate Infusions.

Objective 1: Calculate oral medication dosages.

Objective 2: Calculate injectable medication dosages.

Objective 3: Calculate dosages and calculate dispensing needs.

Objective 4: Calculate constant rate infusions and amounts needed to add to fluid bags.

Objective 5: Determine appropriate infusion rates in mL/hr and convert to mL/min or drops/sec.

Objective 6: Calculate mEq and apply in electrolyte replacement therapy calculations.

Objective 7: Interpret drug labels to determine concentrations and dosing schedules.

Unit 3: Fluid Therapy Calculations

Objective 1: Calculate maintenance fluid needs using standard formulas.

Objective 2: Calculate dehydration fluid rates.

Objective 3: Calculate ongoing losses fluid rates.

Objective 4: Calculate total fluid rates and drip rates.

Objective 5: Calculate surgical fluid rates based on the AAHA fluid therapy guidelines.

Objective 6: Determine appropriate fluid bolus volumes based on clinical cases.

Objective 7: Calculate IV fluid rates using different drip sets and fluid delivery devices.

Unit 4: Nutritional Calculations

Objective 1: Calculate RER for dogs and cats.

Objective 2: Calculate nutritional needs based on health status.

Objective 3: Translate caloric requirements into volume or weight of food required per serving and per day.

Objective 4: Evaluate commercially available pet foods and calculate.

Unit 5: Solutions and Dilutions

Objective 1: Perform calculations to make dilutions from stock solutions.

Objective 2: Perform calculations to reconstitute medications based on example doctor orders.

Objective 3: Prepare accurate solutions commonly used in veterinary medicine.

Objective 4: Calculate proper disinfectant dilutions using ratios.

Unit 6: Cell and Urinary Calculations

Objective 1: Calculate cell concentrations per microliter.

Objective 2: Record urine production over time.

Objective 3: Calculate urine output in mL/kg/hr.