PART A
BASIC MATH REVIEW
The following section serves as a review of basic math principles and allows students to identify any areas that will require further study. Students who find they need further development in basic math should refer to the table of math resources on page 5. Answers for pr...
Cynthia M. McAlister Sandra G. Shapiro
ARNP, MSN, CS ARNP, MSN, CS, MS
Associate Professor Associate Professor
Eastern Kentucky University Eastern Kentucky University
Revised 5/04
, MEMORANDUM
TO: Nursing Students
FROM: NUR Faculty
RE: Dosage Calculations
Math proficiency is considered one of the critical skills necessary to meet one of the
requirements of nursing. This proficiency is basic to safely administering medications
and intravenous fluids.
Enclosed is a booklet to guide you in mastering the mathematical competencies
necessary for the accurate computation of medication dosages. This self-instructional
booklet is designed to allow you to analyze the areas of mathematics that you may
need to review. We encourage you to begin utilizing this booklet at the earliest
possible date in your nursing program of study.
There are multiple mathematical formulas that may be used to calculate dosages
accurately. This booklet will instruct students to use the ratio and proportion method.
2
, Table of Contents
Math Requirements .................................................................................................. 5
Math Learning Resources ......................................................................................... 6
Systems of Measurement and Approximate Equivalents ............................................ 7
Common Pharmacologic Abbreviations...................................................................... 9
PART A BASIC MATH REVIEW
1. Roman Numerals ............................................................................................... 12
2. Fractions ........................................................................................................... 13
3. Decimals ........................................................................................................... 15
4. Practice Problems .............................................................................................. 18
PART B MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
1. Ratios and Proportions ...................................................................................... 22
2. Metric System.................................................................................................... 24
3. Practice Problems .............................................................................................. 24
4. Household System ............................................................................................. 25
5. Practice Problems .............................................................................................. 25
PART C DOSAGE CALCULATIONS
1. Single-Step Calculation...................................................................................... 26
2. Multiple-Step Calculation .................................................................................. 28
3. Dosage by Weight .............................................................................................. 31
PART D PRACTICE DOSAGE CALCULATION EXAMS
Criteria for Grading Dosage Calculation Exams....................................................... 34
Practice Exam #1.................................................................................................... 34
Practice Exam #2.................................................................................................... 39
Practice Exam #3.................................................................................................... 45
PART F PARENTERAL MEDICATIONS
Directions for Calculating IV Flow Rates ................................................................. 46
IV Formulas ........................................................................................................... 47
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, Practice Exam #4.................................................................................................... 50
Practice Exam #5.................................................................................................... 52
Practice Exam #6.................................................................................................... 55
PART G ANSWERS
Basic Math Answers .............................................................................................. 59
Practice Exam Answers........................................................................................... 61
PART H IV DRIP CALCULATIONS ADDENDUM
Calculation of Weight Based IV Drips ..................................................................... 70
Practice Exam #7.................................................................................................... 71
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