Math Proficiency Practice Sheet for RN Students
Math proficiency is vital in nursing. All students entering the second semester of the Nursing
Program at Columbia State are required to pass a Math Proficiency Exam. Students are given
two opportunities and must pass with a score of 75% or greater. The following information is to
help strengthen math skills and prepare for success on the exam. The exam will have
problems similar to ones in this packet. Also, know military time, conversions and
abbreviations for medication administration.
In order to attain an accuracy rate of at least 75%, test takers must be able to perform the
following:
Conversions between/within metric and common household units of measure used in
medication administration
Basic dosage calculations
Pediatric dosage calculations based on weight
I.V. drip rate calculations
Calculations of infusion times
Continuous heparin infusion calculations
Critical care calculations (using infusion pump or device) including calculating the
mL/hour rate, the dose per minute or per hour, and the dose based on infusion rate.
Don’t Forget to Review and keep a copy of the Nursing Dosing Rounding rules at the
end of this Packet!
, NURSING MATH HELP SHEET
1. Take ANY calculation problem. Example: Order: 1000 mL 0.45% NS with heparin 25,000 units to
infuse at 1000 units/hr. Calculate the flow rate.
2. Determine what you need and write it down on the answer side of the equation.
Since “flow rate” is mL/hr you will write: _____ mL =
1 hr
3. Make a list of the information you have “pairing up” values as follows:
1000 mL = 25,000 units
1000 units = 1 hr
Rules for your pairs:
1. Must stick together in the equation
2. Can be written as a fraction
3. Can be reversed: 1hr is the same as 1000 units
1000 units 1 hr
(Sometimes you will need additional information not provided in the problem: 1 KG = 2.2 LBS,
OR 60 MIN = 1 HR, ETC.)
4. To set up the right-hand side of the equation, start with the value/unit that corresponds with the
numerator of your answer. Its partner will then be placed in the denominator.
______ mL = 1000 mL
1 hr 25,000 units
5. Continue your problem by placing like units diagonally, which will allow those units to cancel. If you
have all of the needed information and your problem is set up correctly, you will be able to cancel
all of the units except those found in the answer (left side of equation).
______ mL = 1000 mL X 1000 units
1hr 25,000 units 1 hr
6. Cross multiply and divide to get your answer.
(Another rule: ANY zero in the numerator (top) cancels ANY zero in the denominator (bottom))
______ mL = 1000 X 1000 = 1000 = 40 mL
1 hr 25,000 X 1 25 1 hr
Math proficiency is vital in nursing. All students entering the second semester of the Nursing
Program at Columbia State are required to pass a Math Proficiency Exam. Students are given
two opportunities and must pass with a score of 75% or greater. The following information is to
help strengthen math skills and prepare for success on the exam. The exam will have
problems similar to ones in this packet. Also, know military time, conversions and
abbreviations for medication administration.
In order to attain an accuracy rate of at least 75%, test takers must be able to perform the
following:
Conversions between/within metric and common household units of measure used in
medication administration
Basic dosage calculations
Pediatric dosage calculations based on weight
I.V. drip rate calculations
Calculations of infusion times
Continuous heparin infusion calculations
Critical care calculations (using infusion pump or device) including calculating the
mL/hour rate, the dose per minute or per hour, and the dose based on infusion rate.
Don’t Forget to Review and keep a copy of the Nursing Dosing Rounding rules at the
end of this Packet!
, NURSING MATH HELP SHEET
1. Take ANY calculation problem. Example: Order: 1000 mL 0.45% NS with heparin 25,000 units to
infuse at 1000 units/hr. Calculate the flow rate.
2. Determine what you need and write it down on the answer side of the equation.
Since “flow rate” is mL/hr you will write: _____ mL =
1 hr
3. Make a list of the information you have “pairing up” values as follows:
1000 mL = 25,000 units
1000 units = 1 hr
Rules for your pairs:
1. Must stick together in the equation
2. Can be written as a fraction
3. Can be reversed: 1hr is the same as 1000 units
1000 units 1 hr
(Sometimes you will need additional information not provided in the problem: 1 KG = 2.2 LBS,
OR 60 MIN = 1 HR, ETC.)
4. To set up the right-hand side of the equation, start with the value/unit that corresponds with the
numerator of your answer. Its partner will then be placed in the denominator.
______ mL = 1000 mL
1 hr 25,000 units
5. Continue your problem by placing like units diagonally, which will allow those units to cancel. If you
have all of the needed information and your problem is set up correctly, you will be able to cancel
all of the units except those found in the answer (left side of equation).
______ mL = 1000 mL X 1000 units
1hr 25,000 units 1 hr
6. Cross multiply and divide to get your answer.
(Another rule: ANY zero in the numerator (top) cancels ANY zero in the denominator (bottom))
______ mL = 1000 X 1000 = 1000 = 40 mL
1 hr 25,000 X 1 25 1 hr
