Complete Chapters 1 through 6 in your Olsen and Giangrasso, Medical Dosage Calculations workbook. In Nursing 111 we will be covering math for non-parenteral medications, because you will be actually administering these medications in the clinical settings! Do you know what non-parenteral means?
Be sure to complete Chapter 1, Arithmetic Review. Many students choose to skip this chapter but I highly recommend completing the practice sets. You will quickly realize what you have forgotten or what you need to master. By the way, students in Nursing 111 and 112 are not permitted to use calculators. If you need to work on arithmetic, there are tutors available for free in the Learning Assistance Lab. What a bargain! Hint: Can you identify Roman Numerals? Roman numerals are frequently represented in the Apothecary System.
Chapter 4 introduces you to the 3 Systems of Measurement. Can you list them? You must memorize all equivalents just like you memorized 12 inches = 1foot in elementary school! This information is important when you begin converting medications from one system of measurement to another. You do not need to know drams or minims from the Apothecary system, because they are seldom used in practice today. Start now to memorize...practice with a friend or use flash cards!
Complete Chapter 3 on Dimensional Analysis or Factor Labeling. If you have taken Chemistry it will look very familiar. This is the approach the nursing faculty Recommends because it is easy to apply; however, you may use other methods if they are more suitable for you.
When calculating math in Adult Health, always carry all work out to the hundredths and round to the tenths. Exceptions include Insulin (For example, 0.35 ml remains the same). Pediatric dosages and dosages utilizing electronic infusion devices with digital read-outs are carried out to the thousandths and rounded to the hundredths.
Numbers less than 1 should always be written with a 0 in front of the decimal. For example, 0.4 grams not .4 grams. However, never place a 0 after a decimal. For example, 4 grams not 4.0 grams. This approach helps to prevent errors in interpretation of orders.
In order for a math calculation to be correct, it must have the number and the label! For instance, 2 capsules not 2. We are looking for comprehension and accuracy.
Have you visited the Nursing 111 Pharmacology Math Tutorial? Go to Nursing Applications on MCCC's computers. You may click on Abbreviations, Dimensional Analysis, Military Time, etc. This can be done independently and at your own pace.
Plan to attend a Pharmacology Math Workshop and practice, practice, practice!