Question about med math classes

allnurses Guide · Jul 13, 2012

Dimensional analysis is the way to go.

Mrs.Priss · Jul 15, 2012

I don't think ratios and proportions are the same as DA. (Icould be wrong) We had ratio questions and proportion questions in my math for meds class and were able to use DA to answer those questions. I think ratios and proportions are a type of questeion and DA is a way of answering it. (I just woke up so I may not be explaining to make much sense, sorry).

CRNBSN18 · Jul 15, 2012

I don't think ratios and proportions are the same as DA. (Icould be wrong) We had ratio questions and proportion questions in my math for meds class and were able to use DA to answer those questions. I think ratios and proportions are a type of questeion and DA is a way of answering it. (I just woke up so I may not be explaining to make much sense, sorry).

I thought they were both a way of setting up a problem. I'm probably wrong though. I just woke up. My sweet husband let me sleep in :)

I did look at ratio and proportions and it was easy. So, no big deal either way!

OKNurse2be · Jul 15, 2012

Dimensional analysis is more like 65lbs x 1kg/2.2lbs x 1mg/kg You have ratios and proportions that tell you what your conversion factors are and you use them in your dimensional analysis. Like 1kg/2.2 lbs or 1kg/1000mg. I know how to use it, but not sure I am explaining it good.

RB2000 · Jul 15, 2012

Honestly, what it really comes down to is that you get the math correct. I don't know if a school would require you to do it a specific way or not. If they do then you would have to learn it that way. However, in the world of nursing what matters is that the math is correct. There are some meds (peds, critical care especially) that just a little bit off can make a world of difference. I would ask your instructor. Again, I personally wouldnt think that it matters. The things that matters most is that the math is correct. The decimal is in the right place, use rounding rules properly, and understand leading and trailing zeros. Again, I would just ask your instructor. Just like if you had a question about a med order you would ask the provider.

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · Jul 15, 2012

We used dimensional analysis and its so super easy because it works for everything. I think we used the same book too but whatever takes you to the right answer is all that matters but I like DA because it always works. Math is the easiest part of nursing :) Don't stress it!

CRNBSN18 · Jul 15, 2012

Thanks everyone! Were you all allowed to use calculators?

RB2000 · Jul 15, 2012

We were allowed to use a calculator, but it had to be a basic calculator.

brillohead, ADN, RN · Jul 16, 2012

My school supplies calculators for exams -- it's a super-cheap, super-basic calculator. They get passed out for exams and then you turn it back in when you turn in your answer sheet.