Quicky poll

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I am a nursing student and I have a quicky question to settle something, how often do you use math in your day to day job, what level of math (basic, algebra, etc).

is dosage conversion used often or is there a faster system set up?

Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in Neurology, Neurosurgerical & Trauma ICU.

I use math all the time!

For instance...if the ordered dose is 200mg and I have 100mg tablets, then I have to give 2 tabs! Also, I use it for setting IV rates, etc. I think a lot of us use math all the time and don't even really think about the fact that we're using math!

All kinds of math is used everyday!

Why do you ask anyway???

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Yep. Everyday. Sooner or later you're gonna have an order for 40mg Solumedrol IV, and the pharmacy will send you the vial of 125mg per 2ml.

And as soon as you've got that one figured out, you'll get some other oddball thing, and it will be on nightshift when you can barely keep your eyes open. So learn those formulas.

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I felt that there would be a lot of math, 130 pound woman needs 50 mg /kg so you need to find the kg equiv of 130, then the dose level per kilo blah blah blah, now I would imagine a lot of that may be on a table or some guide somewhere.

The one thing I know is I will be dealing in the metric system and I need to know how to convert back and forth and figure amounts along with those conversions.

it seems like I would be walking around with a calculator.

Or is it that involved?

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Specializes in HIV/AIDS, Dementia, Psych.

I use math on a daily basis, but I haven't run across anything like what was in my Math For Meds book. I'll get a liquid med that's say, 10mg per mL and I have to give 20mg., so you give 2 mLs. It's usually simple like that. I remember quesions like...If Mrs. Smith is supposed to get 20 mg of x-med and it comes 17.268mg per mL, how many mLs do you give? 14.gif

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I find the math easy if it is all metric, it's the conversion from our backwards american system to metric then figuring from there that gets tricky, if you're in Peds (or anywhere) and you screw up a decima;l point......well you know.

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Specializes in Nursing Education.

I use math everyday also. Learn those math formulas, they come in handy!:p

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It is as I thought it is.

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comic sans blue :kiss

good question----it depends on your job really! and who would be so stuck up as to say, why do you ask?really!!

ask your boss and prepare.

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Specializes in Neurology, Neurosurgerical & Trauma ICU.
originally posted by ceceliajane2003

comic sans blue :kiss

good question----it depends on your job really! and who would be so stuck up as to say, why do you ask?really!!

ask your boss and prepare.

ceceliajane, bite me! :(

the reason i asked why she was asking was because i thought perhaps she was having a particular problem with something and maybe i could help her find a way to work it out or remember it.

i did not ask that just to be a jerk. unlike you, who made that remark strictly to be one yourself.

really, i have never run into such nonsense!

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large comic sans blue :confused: dear neuroicurn;

i am sorry, really. i think when your writing people dont know the tone of voice your using, and i would have thought you'd say those exact words, how can i help? and if you havent come across "such nonsense"then either your sheltered or havent been a nurse too long. i've run into such nonsense you wouldnt believe! truly, hope you accept my apology and we all stick together.

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Specializes in Gen Surg, Peds, family med, geriatrics.
Originally posted by koan

it seems like I would be walking around with a calculator.

I keep a small metric conversion calculator in my pocket all the time. It sure comes in handy.

Laura

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