What does "dosage" refer to in medication administration?

In medication administration, "dosage" specifically refers to the amount of drug to be administered to a patient at one time. This term indicates how much of a particular medication is prescribed, which is crucial for ensuring that the patient receives the correct therapeutic effect while minimizing the risk of side effects or overdose. It involves precise measurements, usually expressed in units such as milligrams (mg) or milliliters (mL), depending on the form of the medication.

Understanding the dosage is essential for safe practice, as it directly influences a patient's treatment plan. If the dosage is too low, the medication may not be effective, whereas an excessively high dosage could cause toxicity. Thus, accurately determining and delivering the correct dosage is a fundamental responsibility in medication administration. Other options, such as the total volume of all medications, frequency of intake, or the method of delivery, address related but distinct aspects of medication management and do not define "dosage" itself.