Can someone verify this for me?

HelanaDietrich · Sep 13, 2009

Charlie T, that was good advice you gave inbox. I concur that the best thing is seeking precisely clear instructions from the instructor, as it is of the upmost importance to thoroughly understand the proportions methods. Repetively practicing as many calculations is equally important in order to get it down pat to gain the confidence to administer drugs safely. I still have my calculations practice binder after 17 years out of school. My practice binder is about an in thick in practice scribbling of dosage calculations. When it comes to figuring drug dosages you have to be exact. There is no room for error, as this could be your patient's life on the line, your license, and maybe even your freedom.

CharlieT · Sep 13, 2009

Inbox,

I have a couple of books, Dosage Calculations by Pickar and Dosage Calculations made Incredibly Easy. I like both, I am sure that there are many more books out there that are good as well.

Not_A_Hat_Person, RN · Sep 14, 2009

LABEL A- MD orders 0.5 grams. What amount is to be administered to the client?

I turn to page with label A and it shows 250 mg, 500 pills. That is ALL.

I assume "what amount" means how many pills. Otherwise, the answer is 0.5 grams.

Anyway, if each pill is 250 mg, and a gram is 1000 mg, your problem would look like

tabs=1 tab/250 mg * 1000 mg/1g *0.5 g/1.

If you eliminate all of the 1s, you get 1000*0.5 / 250

500/250 = 50/25 = 2/1 = 2 tabs.

caffeineRx · Sep 14, 2009

Thank You EVERYONE! Unbelievable how absolutely clueless I am. :smackingf

And math was supposed to be my strong subject. So much for that :sigh:

*ac* · Sep 14, 2009

I suggest also asking yourself if your answer seems right, using common sense.

Pretend you have a real patient with that order. How the heck would you give 50 grams (your answer). Also, compare that to the order. Something should seem wrong with that answer.

caffeineRx · Sep 14, 2009

LOL, that's what I was thinking. How in the world do I divide a pill into 5?!? Oh goodness, I need a drink.

SunnyAndrsn · Sep 14, 2009

I was just going to add this!

The big difference between this type of med. math/calculations, is that you should have an answer that makes sense based on the rest of your knowledge of medications. Always ask yourself if the answer makes sense.

I had a teacher who had us set up proportions by the "want" = "have" method.

You want 0.5g of the medication.

So your answer should be some form of this...if it's tablets, volume(mls) of medication, etc.

Hope that helps.

I suggest also asking yourself if your answer seems right, using common sense.
Pretend you have a real patient with that order. How the heck would you give 50 grams (your answer). Also, compare that to the order. Something should seem wrong with that answer.