drug calculations

Published

Specializes in New grad.

I only have a few days to teach myself drug calculations and pass the test with a 90 to be able to apply to an ADN program for Jan 2019. We were told which book to get, given 2 sample exams and the test is up to us. The book is about 500 pages so I have been trying to find a list of formulas to shortcut the process but haven't been able to find one. There were only about 6 formulas required for paramedics but that was 35 years ago and I don't remember any of them. So far I have looked up some You Tube videos for B.S.A. calculations, IV drip rates, powder/solution equations, grain conversions, and peds weight based formulas. However, the syllabus indicates needing to know "anticoagulants, parenteral, and insulin dosages." Since we have to teach ourselves, I'm not sure how much of these types of calculations we need to know. Is there a comprehensive list of formulas for nurses? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

WOW! I am surprised they are requesting that you teach yourself. Where I teach, we go over dosage calculations during the first semester. There are four exams each semester ensuring you haven't forgotten how to perform dosage calculations. As for insulin and parenteral, I suspect test questions will involve testing your ability to correctly "draw up" the dosage. In other words, a test question may say, demonstrate where 34 units is located. You will be given a drawing of the syringe and you place a line at 34 units. Same with parenteral- you would be given a volume and you must place a mark at the placement on the syringe, like 1.2ml.

Everything else you mentioned in your post is what I would expect to see on an exam. As for anticoagulants, I am not sure how they will test you. I haven't come across any test questions like those except for my pharmacology class. Maybe someone else has more insight.

Good luck on your exam. I hope you get in.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pharmacy, Mathematics, Physics, and Educator.

You might want to look at this article I wrote awhile back. There is also a dosage calculation book attached. https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/master-your-drug-1148937.html

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in New grad.

Thanks so much! I took my exam today but pass or fail this is great info for the future. 👍

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MICU, Burn ICU.
Thanks so much! I took my exam today but pass or fail this is great info for the future. í ½í±

Well? How'd it go? :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion