How should medication doses be determined?

Determining medication doses should be done by measuring exactly. Accuracy in medication dosing is crucial for patient safety and ensuring the effectiveness of the treatment. Medications can have potent effects, and even slight deviations in dosage can lead to adverse effects or inadequate therapeutic outcomes.

Measuring doses accurately means using proper tools such as calibrated syringes, medication cups, or scales to ensure that the patient receives the precise amount prescribed by a healthcare provider. This approach eliminates ambiguity and ensures that the medication is administered correctly every time, adhering to established guidelines and protocols.

While approximating or referencing previous doses could be considered in some contexts, they do not guarantee the accuracy needed for safe medication administration. Guessing the dosage undermines the reliability of treatment and poses significant risks to the patient's health. Hence, measuring exactly is the best practice for determining medication doses.