math dosage help

Nurses General Nursing

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i am really struggling with math dosage. im in my 3rd semester of LVN school and i feel like my skills in math should be a lot stronger than they are by now. math is my absolute worst subject and always has been. is there anything you guys did to strengthen your skills? any particular books or websites or tricks? anything would be of help! thanks!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I recommend an exercise book that you can practice with. They are at the larger chain book stores. Also, find out if there are tutors available. There are only a few problems related to meds. You will use the same ones over and over. Once you get those down you will be fine. Also, carry a "cheat sheet" with you when you work!

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i went through the dosage chapter in my Saunders NCLEX book and found it pretty easy, so i hope that means that i'm on my way. ill have to check out the bookstores for some more help! thanks :)

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Specializes in ER; ICU; Med-Surg.

I struggled with math when I was in nursing school too. I found a book called "Math for Meds". In it was a formula that I still use today. My instructors tried to teach me four different methods that I could not grasp. After learning this method, I have never had trouble again. Hope it works for you.

Take the medication dose ordered divided by the dose available and then multiplied by the dose concentration. Example: Doctor orders Morphine 2 mg IVP. Morphine available in 5 mg/ml.

2mg/5mg x 1ml = 0.4ml to be given.

Example: Doctor orders Valium 2mg IVP. Valium avaliable in 10mg/2ml.

2mg/10mg x 2ml = 0.4ml to be given.

Hope that helps.

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.

I also recommend buying a clipboard with a lot of this useful info pre-printed on it's face. Always handy when you have a brain-fart.

But nothing beats practice.

Practice. Practice. Practice. Practice, till it becomes second nature.

Pretty soon you'll be doing it in your head

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Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

hi,

my school required we have "Math for Meds" which is a soft cover work bool that you can do on your own and it is very good.

Swtooth EMT-P, RN

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hi im just curious what edition did you use?

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