I passed meds for the first time.

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I was the first to set up my meds, I was sooo nervous. Everyone was watching me.

I had the most meds for my patient and he has a gtube so most of my meds were liquid and I had to do nursing math to figure out a few doses, as I was doing the calculation the instructor was over my shoulder watching me which was making me even more nervous. She looked at my calculation and told me it was right but said I didn't have to go through all that to get my answer. I am comfortable using the s/h = x/d method. When doing the calculation at the med cart which method is quicker for oral meds?

D

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

IMO, the quickest way is the one you are most comfortable with. For me, that's ratio and proportion. For my friend, it's dimensional analysis. And we both can come up with the correct answer pretty darn fast.

If you're comfortable with what you are using, stick with it.

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Yes - Do what makes you feel the most comfortable. When you become a nurse you'll be able to rattle caculations off a lot quicker. You did great!

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I agree- do whatever YOU are the most comfortable doing, that you know works for you. If you are comfortable and confident doing it a certain way, even if it is a longer way or whatever, at least you'll feel more confident that your answers are correct.

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I'm going to go with everyone else here - do whatever YOU feel most comfortable doing. For me, I like to use the D/H x Q formula to calculate oral meds, where D = desired dose, H = have (on hand) and Q = quantity:

Ordered: Amoxicillin 500mg PO Q6H

Have: Amoxicillin for oral suspension 250mg per 5mL

500mg / 250mg x 5mL = 10mL

:)

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