221 Math at HFCC

U.S.A. Michigan

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Specializes in ICU.

I'm about to start 221 on Thursday of this week and our first Math test is Friday.....some of the math is repetitive from previous semesters and I'm ok with that but this new stuff with microdrip, mcg and trying to figure how much runs per minute is killing me. Are there samples anywhere....all I can find is practice problems with answers but I need to see how you set them up in order for me to be able to figure it out and remember it. If anyone can help me out here I'd greatly appreciate it!!!!!

Thanks so much:redbeathe

Hi there. Have you tried the practice questions on the K drive? Also, there are practice questions in the module. They show you exactly how to set up the problems step by step. If those aren't helpful, try your math book. And if that doesn't work I believe the instructors will go over a couple of questions during or after class - at least they did for us.

Also, try go Google it by typing in nursing IV math or something to that effect. Hope this helps and good luck to you.

Specializes in ICU.

I guess I'll have to look at the module better cuz I didn't see set up for the problems and thats exactly what I need!!! Thanks for advice!

Specializes in Operating Room.

I did Chapter 20 and some of 21 in our math book and found that to be helpful in learning the concepts needed for this part of the math. Chapter 20 breaks it down using either R/P or DA, whichever you use. Points to remember:

-1mg=1000mcg

-Know how to solve for mL/hr using one of the two methods

-Pay attention to time. Example: one of the questions in the module states you're running/min., so I had to figure out what I was running per hour before I could continue on with getting ml/hr and the drip rate...speaking of which...

-When a 60gtt/ml microdrip set is used, the flow rate in gtt/min. is identical to the volume in mL/hr to be infused (page 285 in the math book).

Then for weight...

-Know how to convert pounds to kg

-Solve for min...for hour....convert mcg to mg if needed....solve for mL/hr...and then your drip rate is your mL/hr answer (again, because you're using microdrip tubing).

All these concepts are incorperated into the questions from what I'm running into with the mod questions. Perfect example was page 9 of the module, I just had to use everything I knew up to this point, use some "critical thinking" and just roll with it.

BTW, this is me when it comes to math ----> :banghead:

I'd seriously rather write a 10 page patho paper. Seriously.

I hope this helped though!

I'm now going to put the math down and waste some time on Farm Town on the facebook. :D

Specializes in ICU.

Omg you are too funny! I just got done playing FARKLE on facebook cuz I thought I was going to stroke out from the damn math....lol, I've pretty much got the mcg/kg/min ones down...there are just a few that stump me everytime I see them and I've done em each like 10 times!!!! Once I see an example I'm good but somehow I don't think I'll get to look at an example while I'm taking the test! If you get time can you look at #15 & 16 on the practice test since your sooooo good at explaining and tell me why in 15; 60/30=2 and so 1 mL/2=0.5 and then I go on to figure mcg's per min but in 16;60/20=3....OH NEVERMIND, I think I just answered my own question...LOL

I forgot about the postcard on the Nursing Student forum on this website. It has very helpful links for IV calculations:

https://allnurses.com/nursing-student-assistance/any-good-iv-127657.html

Good luck on your exam!

Gawd, I don't miss this stuff. At. All. :no:

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