Textbook Readings
Roache and Ford: Chapter 2
Wilkinson and Van Leuven: Chapter 23
Why do some patients require only one pill of a
certain medication while another requires two?
The exact dose of the medication must be ordered
by the physician, but the nurse must recognize
general ranges of dosages to keep the patient
safe.
Minimal Dose.
The least amount of a medication required to
achieve the desired or therapeutic effect of the
medication.
Maximal Dose.
The largest amount of a medication that can be
given without producing toxic effects (overdosing).
Toxic Dose.
The amount of drug that will produce poisonous
effects, or the overdose effects.
Lethal Dose.
The amount of the medication that will cause
death.
Therapeutic Dose.
The dosage range that will achieve the
desired effect without producing toxic effects.
These dosages will vary somewhat depending
upon the person receiving the medication.
The three greatest factors in determining dosage are
age,
weight, and
route of administration.
Other factors include
gender,
ethnicity,
presence of disease, and
other medications.
Review Content
Dosages