Ahh pharm calc!!

[brycross33]

So I took the class and in retaking it now and I'm struggling with calculations. Can someone please explain to me how to do these calculations in a way that a first grader can understand? We did the calc test already and I got a 70 on it which dropped my grade down to a 76 and I need a 77 to pass so our next test is on IV calculations and I am having trouble with that too thank you in advance!

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Actually, there are a good many drugs that can have worse effects if OD'd or underdosed than insulin, and a lot harder to fix. I really don't understand why people get so fluffed about insulin but nobody has an ironclad policy about checking, say, IV digoxin.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Probably statistically....more errors are comitted with some drugs more than others.

[I.C.UNurse]

Yeah statistics are the main reason, but never understood why people have such a hard time with insulin? Very easy medication to draw up, administer and you know WHAT THE MAIN SIDE EFFECT is every time! Medication calculations are very important for nursing. I use it everyday in the ICU and must quickly come up with the conversion, know what the usual dosage is, what is works on, side effects, how to titrate and hang a medication (Levophed, Vasopressin, Dopamine, etc.) within a minute or two. You need to become efficient at these medication calculations because they are a huge part of nursing and we must always question everything! Buy a medication calculation textbook and use iPhone apps if that helps! Best of luck!

[brycross33]

Lol I know it's very important for patient safety but I always thought pharmacy did the calculations and you double check thank you guys for trying to help I've been on those sites and furiously looking at my book trying to understand it