Suggestions On Studying Dosage Calculations

[havehope]

Hi everyone:

I start nursing school January 13th 2014 and just bought my book for my dosage calculations class. I haven't taken my algebra class in awhile (3 years), when I did take it in high school they pushed to always use calculators. Therefore I was never required to do math in my head,etc. Now, when I open my dosage calculations book, my first question is can I use a calculator? It is terribly sad and do any of you have any recommendations on learning how divide and multiply without a calculator? Any practice websites?

Thank you in advance for your help and suggestions.

[A. Boogie, BSN, RN]

I would suggest practicing questions and make sure you actually read the question.The book will usually take you step-by-step through the problem if you get lost. You are allowed to use a basic calculator (i.e. add, substract, multiply, and divide). If you have a basic knowledge of algebra or remember how to solve the equations from chemistry you should be fine.

[LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN]

Study up on dimensional analysis. That would be my suggestion. I am fine with ratio proportion but I am having trouble grasping DA and my program requires we use it.

[Kuriin, BSN, RN]

If you decide to not use a calculator, then you will probably not get very far. Hate to say it, but human error = medication error. Calculators are accurate for a reason, so use them!!

[ahinson07]

Purplemath.com has a bunch of practice questions.

I just got out of drug dosage calculations and we weren't allowed to use a calculator at all.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

If you decide to not use a calculator, then you will probably not get very far. Hate to say it, but human error = medication error. Calculators are accurate for a reason, so use them!!

There was nursing before there were calculators. Many drug calculations are very basic and can be done in one's head. I rarely use a calculator.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I use a calculator to double check my math.

Here are 2 sites that are excellent for nursing math

DosageHelp.com - Helping Nursing Students Learn Dosage Calculations

and dimensional analysis...

http://www.davesems.com/files/drug_dose_calculations.pdf

[ChipNurse]

I use a calculator if I am not 100% sure. Better safe than sorry.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I would start with the calculator until you are comfortable with the formulas.

[Pink Magnolia, BSN, RN]

We always use a calculator because they help you prevent med errors. Its just safer to use one. And we are not memorizing formulas! We are using dimensional analysis, which works for everything! I think this strategy to calculate dosages is the safest way.

Let's be clear...

There is a huge difference between calculating in one's head and using a calculator. Specifically, that gap is doing long division and higher order multiplication on paper. As long as you know your "times tables," you're able to solve any mathematical expression - especially the very simple ones given in "nursing math" question.

I did not own my first calculator until I was in college and yet was able to progress through pre-calculus in high school sans electronic help.

This may sound trite but, if you're denied use of a calculator, a crucial part of your studies should be practicing your "times tables" through 10's. It will make the process, especially long division, much easier.