Accurate Administration of Famotidine 1 mg/kg/day: A Nurse’s Guide

Accurate dosage calculation and administration are crucial in nursing practice to ensure patient safety and effective treatment outcomes. When administering medications like famotidine, used to treat conditions such as GERD and ulcers, precise calculations based on the patient’s weight are essential. This helps prevent underdosing or overdosing, which can lead to ineffective treatment or adverse effects.

Dosage Calculation

Sure, here are the steps a nurse would take to calculate the correct dosage of famotidine:

1. Convert the patient’s weight from pounds to kilograms (if necessary):

   • Use the conversion factor: 1 pound (lb) = 0.453592 kilograms (kg).
   • Formula:

     $$\text{Weight in kg} = \text{Weight in lb} \times 0.453592$$Weight in kg=Weight in lb×0.453592

2. Calculate the daily dosage:

   • Use the prescribed dosage: 1 mg/kg/day.
   • Formula:

     $$\text{Daily dosage (mg)} = \text{Weight in kg} \times 1 \text{ mg/kg}$$Daily dosage (mg)=Weight in kg×1 mg/kg

3. Administer the medication:

   • Divide the total daily dosage into the required number of doses per day, as prescribed by the doctor.

For example, if a patient weighs 150 pounds:

1. Convert weight:

   $$150 \text{ lb} \times 0.453592 = 68.04 \text{ kg}$$150 lb×0.453592=68.04 kg

2. Calculate dosage:

   $$68.04 \text{ kg} \times 1 \text{ mg/kg} = 68.04 \text{ mg/day}$$68.04 kg×1 mg/kg=68.04 mg/day

This ensures the patient receives the correct amount of famotidine based on their weight.

Preparation of Medication

Sure, here are the procedures a nurse follows to prepare famotidine 1 mg/kg/day for administration:

1. Verify the Medication:

   • Confirm the doctor’s order for famotidine 1 mg/kg/day.
   • Check the patient’s weight to calculate the correct dosage.
   • Ensure the medication is not expired and is the correct formulation (e.g., oral suspension).

2. Measure the Correct Dose:

   • Calculate the total daily dose based on the patient’s weight (e.g., for a 20 kg patient, the dose is 20 mg/day).
   • Divide the total daily dose by the number of doses per day (e.g., if given twice daily, each dose is 10 mg).
   • Use a syringe or appropriate measuring device to measure the exact amount of famotidine suspension.

3. Prepare the Medication for Administration:

   • Shake the famotidine suspension well before measuring.
   • Draw the measured dose into an oral syringe.
   • Label the syringe with the patient’s name, medication name, dose, and time of administration.
   • Double-check the dose with another nurse if required by the facility’s policy.

4. Ensure the Medication is Ready for Administration:

   • Verify the patient’s identity using two identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth).
   • Explain the procedure to the patient or caregiver.
   • Administer the medication as prescribed, ensuring the patient swallows the entire dose.
   • Document the administration in the patient’s medical record.

These steps help ensure the safe and accurate administration of famotidine to patients.

Administration Process

Administering Famotidine 1 mg/kg/day

Methods of Administration

1. Oral Administration:

   • Form: Tablets or oral suspension.
   • Procedure: Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. Tablets can be taken with or without food.

2. Intravenous (IV) Administration:

   • Form: IV injection or intermittent IV infusion.
   • Procedure: Administered by a nurse or doctor. Ensure the solution is clear and free of particles before use.

Steps to Ensure Patient Safety

1. Preparation:

   • Verify the correct dosage based on the patient’s weight.
   • For IV, check the solution for particles or discoloration.

2. Administration:

   • Oral: Shake the suspension well before use. Ensure accurate measurement.
   • IV: Clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Administer slowly to avoid adverse reactions.

3. Monitoring:

   • Observe for any side effects such as dizziness, headache, or gastrointestinal issues.
   • Report any serious reactions like irregular heartbeat or severe dizziness immediately.

4. Documentation:

   • Record the dosage, time, and method of administration.
   • Note any patient reactions or side effects.

By following these steps, nurses can ensure the safe and effective administration of famotidine to their patients.

Monitoring and Documentation

After administering famotidine at a dosage of 1 mg/kg/day, it is crucial for a nurse to monitor the patient for any adverse reactions. This includes observing for signs of allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, or any other unexpected symptoms. Accurate documentation of the administration and any observed reactions is essential. Proper documentation ensures continuity of care, helps in tracking the patient’s response to the medication, and provides a legal record of the care provided. Monitoring and documentation are vital for patient safety and effective treatment management.

To Administer Famotidine 1 mg/kg/day Safely and Effectively

Nurses must follow these steps:

1. Verify the doctor’s order for famotidine 1 mg/kg/day and check the patient’s weight to calculate the correct dosage. Ensure the medication is not expired and is the correct formulation.
2. Measure the correct dose by calculating the total daily dose based on the patient’s weight, dividing it by the number of doses per day, and using a syringe or measuring device to measure the exact amount of famotidine suspension.
3. Prepare the medication for administration by shaking the suspension well before measuring, drawing the measured dose into an oral syringe, labeling the syringe with the patient’s name, medication name, dose, and time of administration, and double-checking the dose with another nurse if required by facility policy.
4. Ensure the medication is ready for administration by verifying the patient’s identity using two identifiers, explaining the procedure to the patient or caregiver, administering the medication as prescribed, ensuring the patient swallows the entire dose, and documenting the administration in the patient’s medical record.

Famotidine can be administered orally or intravenously. For oral administration, measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, and for IV administration, ensure the solution is clear and free of particles before use.

To ensure patient safety, nurses must prepare the medication correctly, administer it accurately, and monitor the patient for any adverse reactions. This includes observing for signs of allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, or other unexpected symptoms, and documenting the administration and any observed reactions in the patient’s medical record.

By following these steps, nurses can ensure the safe and effective administration of famotidine to their patients.