Will someone please check my math?

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  • by twarlik
    Specializes in CICu, ICU, med-surg.

I'm preparing for the drug math test that will be given the first week of classes. The book I have has this problem:

"The physician prescribed Capoten, 1.5 grams daily in three equal doses, for hypertension. The nurse would give ____ -mg tablet(s), three times a day."

I said the answer was 500mg. The book has the answer as being 50mg. Am I crazy or is the book wrong?

Cynthiann

322 Posts

I'm pretty sure the book is wrong.

1000 mg = 1 g

so

1500 mg = 1.5 g

divide by 3 = 500 mg

Looks like you aren't crazy.

My Algebra teacher always said that the book isn't always right but it's also not always wrong.

liline

8 Posts

Hey Twarlik, I did the problem and I also find 500mg. I convert 1.5g which is equal to1500mg and divided by 3. I think that the book is wrong. I can't find any other way to do it and comes up with 50 mg. I also have to take a math test in two weeks in order to start the program.

Good luck to you

twarlik

573 Posts

Specializes in CICu, ICU, med-surg.

Thanks. I was pretty sure I was correct. This is the second mistake I've found in this book. Geez...

RNIAM, BSN, RN

1,214 Posts

1 gram = 1000 mg

Doc wants 3 equal doses so that has to mean that if you have 1.5grams of medication, three equal doses would equal 500mg each, move the decimal three places to the right. Long story short you have the right answer. I hope I helped and didn't confuse you more.

colleen10

1,326 Posts

Hi Twarlik,

Just wanted to say that I am in Drug Calc for the summer and while I think that the work book I have is awesome there is at least 1 problem per chapter where the book gives an incorrect answer.

Confusing though, isn't it?!

Scotty

48 Posts

The book is wrong.

But that's a heck of a big dose of capoten. Textbooks should use believable examples.

Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

I got the same thing as everyone else!

1500/3 can only be one answer and that is 500mg

Marilyn

Specializes in PCU, Critical Care, Observation.

I agree with Scotty.....the books should use realistic doses. I had tests in first semester nursing where the answer was much higher than what would ever be prescribed. It tends to make you think that your answer is wrong even if it is right according to the calculations. Tricky tricky!

Email4KH

48 Posts

At my school, even if the book is wrong, it is never wrong. Even though 500mg is the right answer, 50mg would be the one that would get you the credit on a test. Same for the information in lecture. It's not a test of knowing the correct information. It's a test of your ability to parrot whatever you hear or read.

caligirl

88 Posts

Originally posted by Email4KH

At my school, even if the book is wrong, it is never wrong. Even though 500mg is the right answer, 50mg would be the one that would get you the credit on a test. Same for the information in lecture. It's not a test of knowing the correct information. It's a test of your ability to parrot whatever you hear or read.

What?? That is ridiculous!! Especially with medication.. Your school needs some kind of investigation if the instructors are not proactive enough to find out whether or not the book is wrong.

Crazy. I am shocked.

nursedawn67, LPN

1,046 Posts

Specializes in Geriatrics, LTC.

I came up with the same answer everyone else did....500mg.

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