Has anyone started studying for medical dosage calculation test yet?

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  1. This is a discussion on Has anyone started studying for medical dosage calculation test yet? in General Nursing Student, part of Nursing Student ... Hi everyone...congrats on getting into Nursing school. Now, we all have to overcome our first...

    by Aug 20, '11
    Hi everyone...congrats on getting into Nursing school. Now, we all have to overcome our first challenge--The med dose exam ) I started studying for it in the beginning of August from the required book called "Dosage Calculations" by Gloria D. Picker on almost the last two chapters . So far so good, I don't have anything to complain about...It seems easy thus far. So what do you all think of it? Whats your favorite dosage calculation method? My favorite formula is the Desired/amount on hands X Quantity = X and ratio proportions.. I don't really like the dimensional analysis.

    Our classes start on August 31 and first exam is on Sept 2, 90% is passing and there will be three tries.
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    by RNinthemaking1986 Aug 20, '11 1:26 am
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  2. 21 Comments so far...

  3. Aug 20, '11 by
    My school uses the same book. I figured math is math and it would probably benefit me to start this book early. I'm good at math but terrified of it (kinda like my love/hate ralationship with rollarcoasters).

    I haven't gotten as far as you, but I do like the D/H x Q= X formula. It simplifies things. I really like dimensional analysis because I'm a chemist at heart and I grew up with this way of calculating. I was amazed at how easy it seems, the hardest part, I think, is memorizing the approximate equivalents. Once you know those it's like 'butter.'

    Class starts on monday which is also orientation. I have no idea when anything is due.

    Congrats and good luck to you!!!!
    Last edit by gatormommy on Aug 20, '11
    RNinthemaking1986 likes this.
  4. Aug 20, '11 by
    Yes! I'm using the same book as you and have only gone through the first three chapters. Those chapters are mostly review, but it's been a while since I've done "math" that I'm glad I took the time to refresh my brain. We have to achieve 100% on the math exams to move on to the next stage. I would prefer to nail the exam the first sitting rather than use my full three chances to pass.

    We begin classes Sept. 6; I'm not sure the date of our first math exam.

    Heather
    RNinthemaking1986 likes this.
  5. Aug 20, '11 by
    I HIGHLY recommend trying dimensional analysis. It's the most error proof system I have ever used! Our instructors only teach in dimensional analysis due to the trouble they have had with students making Ratio-Proportion mistakes.

    I am not strong in math at all and have received a 100% on every dosage test since learning dimensional analysis! Give it a try, and good luck!!
    RNintraining72 and RNinthemaking1986 like this.
  6. Aug 20, '11 by
    I like the formula method. Our recommended book is Math for meds by Curren, our first test isn't until Oct 19th after 6 clinicals days. I did a dosage book over the summer and I feel really comfortable with it already. I get my dosage question of the day from Dosagehelp.com too.
    RNintraining72, loveblossom, angie401, and 1 other like this.
  7. Aug 20, '11 by
    Quote from studentnurseCT
    I like the formula method. Our recommended book is Math for meds by Curren, our first test isn't until Oct 19th after 6 clinicals days. I did a dosage book over the summer and I feel really comfortable with it already. I get my dosage question of the day from Dosagehelp.com too.
    Before I knew what book we were using I bought this book; I really like it, but I still prefer dimensional analysis, with so many years of chemistry it's hard to calculate any other way.
  8. Aug 20, '11 by
    I use both methods. I've taken my first dosage calc exam and we had to receive 95% or higher (20 questions). The question I missed was such a trick question so I came up up w/ two different solutions. I chose one answer, but the answer was the other solution I came up with. Tears me up everytime, I could've had 100% :-). It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, actually fun (& I'm not a big fan of math). I paid for and attended a prep course for 2 days & figures it want too bas & I could learn on my own. Calculate with Confidence was the book that I used.
    RNinthemaking1986 likes this.
  9. Aug 20, '11 by
    I just bought my nursing books a few days ago and I am about ready to start reviewing the math. We start school on Aug. 29th and our first test is 6 weeks into the program. Probably the first week of Oct. or so. We need 100% and we get two chances!
  10. Aug 20, '11 by
    I have practiced with both during my Foundation of Nursing Class. I'm a past Chemistry major which is probably why.
    I didn't know everyone started with the same test! Glad to know I'm not the only one studying
    RNinthemaking1986 likes this.
  11. Aug 20, '11 by
    Our first math test is the second week (covering 5 chapters). Our book is Calculate with Confidence. I just wish I could decide which method is best for me. I love the formula method, as long as you don't forget to convert. I've heard Dimensional Analysis is the way to go for error-free calculations.
    RNinthemaking1986 likes this.