When calculating liquid medications, how should values be handled?

In the context of calculating liquid medications, it is essential to round based on the specific medication guidelines because each medication may have its own recommended dosage and rounding rules to ensure safety and efficacy.

Some medications require precise dosing, while others may allow for a small margin of error. For instance, certain high-alert medications might dictate that calculations be rounded to the nearest tenth, whereas others might allow rounding to the nearest whole number. Additionally, specific formulations or concentrations may influence how dosages are calculated and rounded. Thus, adhering to the medication’s guidelines ensures that patients receive the most accurate and safe dosages, minimizing the risk of under or overdosing.

This approach emphasizes the importance of consulting the drug's reference materials or guidelines when calculating doses rather than applying a generalized rounding rule.