Bedside calculations

Four frequently used adult ICU calculations in one place.

Adult patients

Expressive black, gold and red painting of an ICU team caring for a patient

Ventilation

Predicted body weight

ARDSNet formula

Sex used for ARDSNet equation

Height (cm)

Predicted body weight

— kg

6 mL/kg PBW—

7 mL/kg PBW—

8 mL/kg PBW—

PBW is based on height and the sex coefficient in the ARDSNet equation. It is separate from actual weight used in the drug calculators.

Source: ARDSNet protocol card. Volume figures are arithmetic references; set ventilation according to the patient and protocol.

Reference sheet

MICU intubation protocol

Open full-size image

Personal reference sheet. Some practices and doses in the image may differ from current guidance; verify with your local airway protocol and current prescribing information before use.

Airway

RSI medications

IV doses

Patient dosing weight (kg)

All doses update as you enter the weight. Select an appropriate dosing weight for the patient; obesity and other conditions may require adjustment.

Fentanyl and lidocaine are optional premedications; they do not replace an induction agent. Dose ranges are calculation references, not a recommendation to give every medication.

Infusion

ICU sedation

Maintenance rate

Dosing weight (kg)

Selected rate

Choose an infusion rate and titrate to a documented sedation target and clinical response.

Calculated infusion

—

Nutrition

Energy and protein targets

Per day

Selected nutrition weight (kg)

Weight basis

Energy target (kcal/kg/day)

Protein target (g/kg/day)

Energy

— kcal/day

Protein

— g/day

These are editable targets, not a prescription. Indirect calorimetry, phase of illness, obesity, renal therapy, and delivered calories from non-nutrition sources may change the plan. Avoid immediately delivering a full estimated target early in critical illness.

Reference: ESPEN practical and partially revised ICU nutrition guideline (2023). The starting values of 25 kcal/kg/day and 1.3 g/kg/day are editable; choose a clinically appropriate weight and progression.