Mathematics and Drug Calculations.

So I've now completed another week of university! And by is it flying in!

Can't believe how quick it's going. We have our assignment in next month and an exam.  

We have had a maths test this week to see where we are in our mathematics and drug calculations.  We need to know this as we have an exam at the end of the year that we are required to get 100% in. It is a requirement that we pass this or we cannot progress into second year. It is vitally important that we understand the importance of good arithmetic and how an incorrect calculation can result in possible overdose and the potential death of a patient. 

Here is an example of the type of equations you may be asked to do when it comes to math papers:

Question 1

Convert 800 micrograms to milligrams

Question 2

Convert 1.06 grams to milligrams

Question 3

Convert 1850 mL to Litres

Question 4

Convert 100 nanograms to micrograms

Question 5

A client is ordered 50 milligrams of Aminophylline intravenously. 250 milligrams in 10 millilitres of liquid for IV Injection is available. How many millilitres will you administer?

Question 6

Digoxin 200 mg is prescribed
The stock available is 25 mg
How many tablets will you administer?

Question 7

A patient is prescribed 1500ml over 24 hours.
What percentage would be administered after 18 hours?

Question 8

A patient has a daily fluid allowance of 2000mL.
The patient has taken 60%.
How many mL is this?

We are doing ours online as the university is moving to doing a lot of things electronically. We are using a programme they have bought into so this should make things easier.  Maths is a daunting subject for a lot of people and it can be difficult for some people. But with practice comes perfect! Universities often have student support for you to practice maths. They may have tutorial classes and past papers to look at. If you struggle with maths then there is no time like the present to get revising and practicing your calculations etc. There are a good few websites out there that help with basic mathematics and then with the more nursing side of it, so more drug calculations etc. This will include working out the infusion rate, working out how much of a liquid you may need, looking at how many tablets or capsules you need to administer to make up the correct dose and looking at how to calculate medication according to the weight of a person (this is more applicable for childrens medications).

These websites are useful when it comes to learning and practicing drug calculations:

NHS Snap
BBC Maths
Drug Calculations
A Step by Step Guide
E-Book on Drug Calculations for Nurses

(Click on the links above)

Videos like this one here are also good for helping you learn drug calculations. The good thing about maths is that it doesn't change! It is not like writing an essay where there may be a few correct answers. So make sure you know your stuff when it comes to drug calculations. Very important for your patients that you get their doseage correct! It doesn't even warrant thinking about if you get them wrong. If you are ever unsure, ask another nurse. You are all there to help each other after all. 

Best of luck with your studies. There may seem like it is a lot to take in, but with a bit of patience and a bit of self-discipline, you will get there.
On those days you feel like giving up, remember how hard you fought to get where you are. Remember the sacrifices and remember the passion you have which has got you to where you are. It is for that that you will keep going. 

(All the above questions are available online and have been taken from various websites with a few numbers changed!)