The Nursing Math Thread

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A member pm'd me the following question highlighted below. We created this thread for you guys to talk about math, solve math problems, and post math websites that you have found helpful.

I was wondering, is there a sticky or a special site that can be coordinated for "math sufferers". Perhaps, beginning calculations or shall i say the basics..simple to complex...step by step on how to calculate. I'm a visual learner, numbers and I don't work well. I am trying, but I've got a block!

thanks for this website. i have not yet started phamacology but it doesnt hurt to collect whatever important information you land on

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i love www.dosagehelp.com it has helped me out alot, and i still use it to brush up on math! it has questions and how to sovle them all explained in detail for you.

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Specializes in Med/surg tele, home health, travel.

Thanks very much for the help. Now just wish me some luck!!!!!

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Two cyclists start biking from a trail's start 3 hours apart. The second cyclist travels at 10 miles per hour and starts 3 hours after the first cyclist who is traveling at 6 miles per hour. How much time will pass before the second cyclist catches up with the first from the time the second cyclist started biking?

How do you solve this?? and

What simple interest rate will Susan need to secure to make $2,500 in interest on a $10,000 principal over 5 years?

(it's a practice test for nursing school)

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.
Two cyclists start biking from a trail's start 3 hours apart. The second cyclist travels at 10 miles per hour and starts 3 hours after the first cyclist who is traveling at 6 miles per hour. How much time will pass before the second cyclist catches up with the first from the time the second cyclist started biking?

How do you solve this?? and

What simple interest rate will Susan need to secure to make $2,500 in interest on a $10,000 principal over 5 years?

(it's a practice test for nursing school)

There are weblinks for help with basic algebra on post #3 of this thread. Post this question on the pre-nursing forum. This thread is for help with drug calculation problems.

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Not sure if anyone is still reading this...but I have a math question about drop factors.

Order: 1000 ml to infuse at 150 ml/hr. Drop factor is 20. How many gtts/min?

I have the answer and I worked it out to the best of my ability and I was very close, but we all know that very close doesn't count. Any help you all could give me would be wonderful. Thanks in advance. :wink2:

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.
Order: 1000 ml to infuse at 150 ml/hr. Drop factor is 20. How many gtts/min?

150 mL/hour (infusion rate) x 20 gtts/mL (drop factor of IV tubing) x 1 hour/60 minutes (conversion factor) = 50 gtts/minute (drip rate)

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150 mL/hour (infusion rate) x 20 gtts/mL (drop factor of IV tubing) x 1 hour/60 minutes (conversion factor) = 50 gtts/minute (drip rate)

Thank you so much! :) I always get confused when it when I am given the ml/hr and have to use that instead of the total volume. I need to find a way to get this to stick in my brain.

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.
Thank you so much! :) I always get confused when it when I am given the ml/hr and have to use that instead of the total volume. I need to find a way to get this to stick in my brain.

I think that if you were staring at this equipment in a lab it might be easier. Looking at these problems on paper they really don't make a lot of sense.

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Help!!

Order: Tetracycline Elixir qid for a child weighing 50 lb at a dosage of 8 mg/kg/day in equally divided doses.

How many mg would one does contain? Tetracycline is supplied at 50 mg per 7 mL. How many mL should be administered?

I did 5ml/50mg * 181.6mg/dose = 18.16ml/dose

The answer is Patient weight 22.7 kg

Daily dose 181.6 mg

Each dose 45.4 mg

Give 6.4 mL

From this site: http://www.msumedcalc.com/quiz6.html

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Order: Tylenol suspension 1/2 tsp po q4h prn for fever for a child weighing 32 lb.

The medication is supplied as 325 mg per 10 mL

The recommended dose is 25 - 35 mg/kg/day q4h prn

Is the ordered dose in the safe range?

Answer: Patient weight 14.5 kg

Each dose ordered 81.25 mg

Daily possible dose 487.5 mg/day

Safe range 363.6 mg/d - 507.5 mg/d

Yes, the dose ordered is within the safe range

Im not getting the right answer..I can get the safe range, but Im not understanding the dose ordered? Can someone please show me how to do this? I already failed the exam once, I only have one more try on tuesday...

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.
Help!!

Order: Tetracycline Elixir qid for a child weighing 50 lb at a dosage of 8 mg/kg/day in equally divided doses.

How many mg would one does contain? Tetracycline is supplied at 50 mg per 7 mL. How many mL should be administered?

I did 5ml/50mg * 181.6mg/dose = 18.16ml/dose

The answer is Patient weight 22.7 kg

Daily dose 181.6 mg

Each dose 45.4 mg

Give 6.4 mL

From this site: http://www.msumedcalc.com/quiz6.html

These answers are correct. Are you looking for the way to get them?

8 mg/kg
(dose desired)
x 50 pounds/1
(weight of child)
x 1 kg/2.2 pounds
(conversion factor)
x 7 mL/50 mg
(dose on hand)
x 1 day/4 doses = 6.36 mL/dose
, rounded up to
6.4 mL/dose

mg per dose =
6.36 mL
(dose desired)
/7 mL
(dose on hand)
x 50 mg
(amount in dose on hand)
=
45.4 mg

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