A calculator never replaces the order or the check. Read the order, check the label, and get a second nurse to check high-risk medicines (insulin, heparin, potassium, children's doses) before you give them. Follow Caspian's written policy where it differs.

IV drip rate Gravity set

Volume to run (mL)

Drop factor of the setPrinted on the packet

Time: hours

and minutes

Start timeOptional: shows when the bag will finish

Drops per minute = volume (mL) × drop factor ÷ time in minutes.

Pump rate mL per hour

Volume (mL)

Time: hours

and minutes

Pumps run in mL per hour. Change minutes to hours first: 30 minutes is 0.5 hour. Always set the volume to be infused too, so the pump stops at the right point.

Dose volume How much to draw up or give

Dose ordered

Form

Strength on the label

in this volume (mL)

Volume = dose wanted ÷ dose you have × volume it comes in. Same units on both sides first: 1 g = 1000 mg, 1 mg = 1000 mcg.

Child dose by weight Check, not prescribe

Child's weight today (kg)

Dose in the reference (mg/kg per dose)

Doses per day

Maximum single dose (mg)Optional, from the reference

Dose written on the order (mg)Optional: checks the order

Syrup strength (mg per 5 mL)Optional: gives the volume

Maintenance fluid (Holliday-Segar): 4 mL/kg/h for the first 10 kg, 2 mL/kg/h for the next 10 kg, 1 mL/kg/h for each kg above 20. The doctor sets the actual rate.

NEWS2 National Early Warning Score 2

Respiration rate (per minute)

SpO2 (%)

SpO2 scale

Air or oxygen?

Systolic BP (mmHg)

Pulse (per minute)

Consciousness

Temperature (°C)

Never switch to Scale 2 on your own to lower a score. If you are worried even when the score is low, call anyway: your worry is a valid reason.

Glasgow Coma Scale GCS 3 to 15

Record it as E, V and M, not just the total: for example E3 V4 M6 = 13. A fall of 2 or more points is an emergency, whatever the total.

Fluid balance In minus out

In (mL)

IV fluids and IV medicines Oral Ryle's tube or feeds Blood and other

Out (mL)

Urine Drains Vomit or Ryle's tube aspirate Stool and other

Urine output per hour mL/kg/h

Urine measured (mL)

Over how many hours

Weight (kg)

Patient

Blood transfusion timing Packed red cells

Time the unit left the blood bank

Planned start time

Volume on the bag (mL)

Run over (hours, as ordered)

Blood set drop factor

Two people check the patient's identity and the unit at the bedside, and both sign. Never add medicines to the blood line and never warm blood on a heater.

Braden scale Pressure injury risk

Morse fall scale Fall risk

VIP score Visual Infusion Phlebitis, 0 to 5

Look at and gently feel the cannula site at the start of every shift and before every IV medicine.

CIWA-Ar Alcohol withdrawal, 0 to 67

Ask and observe for each item. Tremor: arms stretched out, fingers spread. Orientation: ask the date and place, and to add serially (for example 2 + 3, + 3 again).

4AT Delirium screen, about 2 minutes

Help the patient do their best: glasses, hearing aid, lights on, a clock and a familiar face. Do not argue with what the patient believes.

Bedside calculators for the ward