I just took my first dosage calc test in my nursing class. You cannot miss more than 2 or you fail. You can retake once. If you miss more than 2 again, you are kicked-out of the program.
I am having difficulty interpreting whether the calculation is to be per dose or per day if the question does not specify. For example,
Ordered: Acetaminophen 320 mg po q4h for an elderly client. Pharmacy sends 80 mg/ml. The nurse will administer how many ml?____
The question includes "q4h", but does not specify either "ml per dose" or "ml per day". The answer to this question is 4 mL, which would be per dose. Then why include the "q4h"??
How would you interpret the question?
Another one I missed pertained to insulin dosage. Put my interpretation of the the timing of dosage screwed me up again. For example,
Give 10units of Insulin at am and hs. At 0730, the patient's blood sugar was 235. According to sliding scale below, How much insulin will the nurse administer?
Blood Sugar (mg/dL) Regular Insulin
0 - 150 No insulin
151 - 200 2 units
201 - 240 4 units
241- 280 6 units
281 - 330 8 units
over 330 Call MD
I calculate 10 + 4 = 14units, plus I include the "hs". I assumed there was no reading. Hummmmm, I just realized,,,,, you would have to always check blood sugar before administering meds???? Anyway, I answered with 20units for the day. If '"hs" is not included in the calculation, then why does the question have it there?
I wish I had all nurses to help when I was in school! It's fun to bounce things off one another. Just remember to slow everything down when you're testing. Focus on what the question is asking you for. Then you've got it. I hated the scare tactics when I was in school. Just try to let that be healthy, motivating pressure. If it gets you running in circles, then come back here so a thousand of your closes friends can help you out!
MomaNurse
109 Posts
Jkm0808
I wish I had all nurses to help when I was in school! It's fun to bounce things off one another. Just remember to slow everything down when you're testing. Focus on what the question is asking you for. Then you've got it. I hated the scare tactics when I was in school. Just try to let that be healthy, motivating pressure. If it gets you running in circles, then come back here so a thousand of your closes friends can help you out!