drug calculations

frann · Jan 27, 2004

depends

if I have to multiply2 digit numbers I find calculator.

If its a simple one I use my head.

I'm not good with math.

Some say I'm not good with spelling either.

emmy · Jan 28, 2004

Thanks Fran:)

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Jan 28, 2004

I'd say write it down--I've been doing math in my head for years. I enjoy it, I'm good at it and I'm right about 99 percent of the time.

However, this is medication destined for a patient. 1% error is still too much.

If you are dividing a single tablet by two, obviously you don't need to write it down. Much more than that--paper and pencil or better yet a calculator.

Better to be thought of as simple than to have to explain and remedy a medication error. (Poor patient!)

Token Male · Feb 24, 2004

I carry a calculator also common drip rates and the like are on a ready reckoner taped to it, I never rely on my head [and those who work with me can keep their comments to themselves thanks].

emmy · Feb 24, 2004

Thanks so much for your reply, I can quit worrying now. :)

Emmy

joannep · Mar 4, 2004

Hi emmy, I find I am a visual person, and using visual items can help me work out a dose quicker.

EG: the ampule is 5000mcg in 2ml. I want 625mcg.

So I hold a 2 ml syringe and draw the plunger out to 2ml, so that is 5000mcg. I then move the plunger to 1ml, which is 2500mcg, I then move the plunger to 0.5ml which is 1250mcg and yes you guessed it, I then move the plunger to 0.25ml so I can visually see how much I need to draw up.

It works for me. :)

Joanne

emmy · Mar 4, 2004

Thanks for that Joanne

That certainly makes it alot easier, I think I'll write that example down in my notebook so that I don't forget! :)

Grace Oz · Mar 4, 2004

Emmy, Using a calculator is fine. But... you still have to know HOW to calculate! :-)

As one poster wrote, even a 1% error is TOO much!

There are courses available that you can attend in order to help you understand maths better. One thing is to revise your times tables. Sounds funny? But you'd be amazed how easily people forget those! Yet they are crucial to most maths calculations. If you phone the ANF in Adelaide, they'll be able to assist you & point you in the right direction as to where to obtain help.

GOOD LUCK!

Cheers,

Grace

emmy · Mar 4, 2004

Thanks Grace

I think I'll practice my tables with my kids, that way I can pretend I'm teaching them :chuckle

Good_Queen_Bess · Mar 5, 2004

I usually work it out in my head, then check with a calculator. If I am unsure, I ALWAYS get a double-checker.

rivergirl2003 · Mar 10, 2004

Hi emmy, I find I am a visual person, and using visual items can help me work out a dose quicker.
EG: the ampule is 5000mcg in 2ml. I want 625mcg.
So I hold a 2 ml syringe and draw the plunger out to 2ml, so that is 5000mcg. I then move the plunger to 1ml, which is 2500mcg, I then move the plunger to 0.5ml which is 1250mcg and yes you guessed it, I then move the plunger to 0.25ml so I can visually see how much I need to draw up.
It works for me. :)
Joanne

well, joanne, you've just helped me so much as well. what a perfect way to explain it!! (can't understand why I hadn't thought of it before either- i think i just shut down when theres more than one number involved!! lol:chuckle thanks, rivergirl.