Why still IV gtt rates on exams?

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I just took the online pharmacology test for my staffing agency. A big percentage of the questions were calculating drip rates.

I learned these 16 years ago in nursing school and have never used them since. But, they always have them on these pharmacology competancy tests. It seems dumb to test on these when there are so many more current topics that they could be covering.

I don't know why nursing schools waste time on archaic information, meanwhile many other, more current areas of nursing remain uncovered. I mean, we spent some time in first semester covering the apothecary system! :rolleyes:

Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

Exactly my point,Val.

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First off, I totally get your point.

But here is where I start to worry. What happens when LPNs are hanging bags? Then, why not CNAs?

Huh? I *am* an LPN and was required to learn this. And I hang meds. I simply don't hang blood or the first abx.

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Specializes in MPCU.

I feel it's all in the cya mentality. Instead of relevant tests, we make seemingly rational arguments for outdated procedures. (Well, we did due diligence to insure the competency of our staff.) Then claim well at least you should understand this because you never know when you'll hafta start a fire with flint and steel. Or I think you should at least be able to start a fire... cuz it's a simple thing to do.

I remember how to synthesize ASA, I don't think it was useful then and have never found a use for it since, but if all the convenience stores close, like in a flood or hurricane and I have access to vinegar and willow bark, you bet I'll be grateful for that knowledge, if I have a febrile adult patient and if I have no other pressing concerns. Well any nurse should have at least some knowledge of how to synthesize basic medications and not just depend on the technology.

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Hard core brother. Kind of like getting your own beehive to harvest honey for wound care.:D

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If a situation ever comes up that would require us to make our own ASA, we've got bigger problems than not having ASA.

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Specializes in MPCU.

that's what I said. Drip calculations is a similar thing. One simple exposure, just in case we were asleep in jr. high then leave it alone. Concentrate on more relevant issues.

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Specializes in PICU.

I've been a nurse over 19 years and have never had to calculate a drip rate as a nurse. Yet recently, a new manager decided to throw this onto a quiz for us. :no: It's actually against our institution's policy to run drips not on a pump unless it's an emergency and we're trying to get fluids in as quickly as possible or in the OR/PACU.

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Hard core brother. Kind of like getting your own beehive to harvest honey for wound care.:D

This reminds me of a quote I read years ago. I don't know who said it.

"If you truly want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe."

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Huh? I *am* an LPN and was required to learn this. And I hang meds. I simply don't hang blood or the first abx.

Please forgive my oversight. Sorry.

You learned the process fundamentally, and as far as I am concerned, I trust the skills you have acquired much more than an RN who presses the button without knowing what or how or why in the first place.

Thanks for setting the record straight. :up:

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