Math for Meds

KatieBell · Sep 23, 2005

If you made an A in algebra, you will do fine. As far as the conversions, I think you essentially have to memorize from kg to lbs, etc.

For the drug calculations, there are several formulas to use, you just plug in the information you have in to the formula and out pops the answer. (ok so sometimes out pops the wrong answer, usually when you plugged something in the wrong place, in time you will learn to know that

*this* just can not be the dose for that medicine.)

When I was in school, I used Dosage calculations Made incredibly easy publ;ished by Lippencott. It is a bit dorky, but the formulas are all laid out. I actually keep it at work and sometimes use it when I am doing vasoactive stuff...

Editorial Team / Admin · Sep 23, 2005

hello all.. this is my first post, and it's good to have found you all. of course, right away i'm going to pick your brains.
math has never been a strong subject for me, and it's where i lack my confidence the most. i did get an a in algebra, but i struggled. i start nursing school on the 28th, and i am attending athens tech (adn program.) as is in other programs, i have three tries to pass with a 90 or better, or i will be "excused" from the nursing program.
can anyone out there tell me how bad the math for meds is? i have never dealt much with metrics, and i am worried about the conversions. i want this more than anything in the world, but i must admit, i am really feeling worried about this math. any tips, advice, info? thanks so much!

:balloons: hello and welcome to allnurses.com:balloons:

try these links and good luck. you will do fine.

http://kcsun3.tripod.com/id52.htm ....math study aids for nurses

http://www.indstate.edu/mary/tutorial.htm ...calculations (nursing math)

http://www.easysurf.cc/cnvert.htm .....conversion table for measurements

JentheRN05, RN · Sep 23, 2005

During school I did pretty okay on med math. But it wasn't until well after I was out of school (well at least 5 months) that I realized there was an obvious check involved. When I get done with a math problem, I take another look at the actual problem (especially if I get that feeling in the pit of my stomach that it's not right) and think, does this make sense. I do that with every problem with good results. So as long as time permits, take another look at the problems you just don't feel right about and see if they 'make sense'.