Chapter 13 Dosages Measured in Units
Dosages Measured in Units
What drugs are commonly prescribed in units?
Frequently prescribed drugs measured in units (the amount needed to produce a
result) are listed in the table.
Drug Details
Epogen A drug that increases the production of red blood cells:
o Used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy or chronic renal failure
o Patient’s blood pressure and laboratory results are monitored on a routine basis
after administration
Fragmin An anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting:
o Prevents deep vein thrombosis after abdominal surgery, hip replacement, and
unstable angina/non-Q wave myocardial infarction
o Used in patients with restricted mobility during an acute illness
o Administered via subcutaneous injections—never given intramuscularly or
intravenously
o Patient’s blood studies are monitored on a routine basis during treatment
Heparin An anticoagulant that inhibits blood clotting:
o Prolongs the time blood takes to clot
o Needs accurate dosage—overdosing may cause hemorrhage; underdosing may
not have the desired result
o Patient is observed for signs of hemorrhage
Insulin A hormone secreted by the pancreas that lowers blood glucose
Why is it critical to administer an accurate dose of insulin?
Insulin is used to treat diabetes mellitus, and requires accurate dosage:
A higher dosage may cause insulin shock.
An insufficient amount may result in diabetic coma.
Both conditions are extremely serious, and nurses need to recognize the symptoms of each condition for
immediate treatment to stabilize the patient. In many institutions, insulin and heparin dosages are checked
for accuracy by another nurse before the drug is administered to the patient.
Types of Insulin
,
Dosages Measured in Units
What drugs are commonly prescribed in units?
Frequently prescribed drugs measured in units (the amount needed to produce a
result) are listed in the table.
Drug Details
Epogen A drug that increases the production of red blood cells:
o Used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy or chronic renal failure
o Patient’s blood pressure and laboratory results are monitored on a routine basis
after administration
Fragmin An anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting:
o Prevents deep vein thrombosis after abdominal surgery, hip replacement, and
unstable angina/non-Q wave myocardial infarction
o Used in patients with restricted mobility during an acute illness
o Administered via subcutaneous injections—never given intramuscularly or
intravenously
o Patient’s blood studies are monitored on a routine basis during treatment
Heparin An anticoagulant that inhibits blood clotting:
o Prolongs the time blood takes to clot
o Needs accurate dosage—overdosing may cause hemorrhage; underdosing may
not have the desired result
o Patient is observed for signs of hemorrhage
Insulin A hormone secreted by the pancreas that lowers blood glucose
Why is it critical to administer an accurate dose of insulin?
Insulin is used to treat diabetes mellitus, and requires accurate dosage:
A higher dosage may cause insulin shock.
An insufficient amount may result in diabetic coma.
Both conditions are extremely serious, and nurses need to recognize the symptoms of each condition for
immediate treatment to stabilize the patient. In many institutions, insulin and heparin dosages are checked
for accuracy by another nurse before the drug is administered to the patient.
Types of Insulin
,
