Final answer:
Students practicing pediatric dosage calculation using Clark's rule need the child's weight and the adult dosage of the medication. They must carefully convert units and check that the calculated dosage is reasonable to ensure safety and efficacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
To practice pediatric dosage calculation using Clark's rule, students would need to know the weight of the child, the adult dosage of the medication, and the formula for Clark's rule, which is:
Child's Dose = (Weight of Child in Pounds / 150) x Adult Dose
Medical and pharmaceutical personnel must be cautious when calculating dosages, as incorrect dosing can lead to ineffective treatment, or worse, harm the patient. It is a skill that involves concentration measurements and dilutions. Converting units is also essential; for instance, a nurse converting grams to milligrams to determine the number of aspirin tablets needed. Finally, it is crucial to check the calculated dose to ensure it is reasonable and aligns with the standard dosing criteria.