Learning math can be summed up in one simple phrase:
Practice makes perfect
There are many ways to learn math. There are several ways to calculate dosages. Ultimately, the more you practice, the better you get.
I have tried to make this the focus of this book. Whether you are a beginning nursing student or one who is
confident in math abilities, or an experienced nurse or healthcare professional, I encourage you take advantage of
the self-tests and proficiency tests in this text. Each chapter will walk you through the various methods of calculation and then give you an opportunity to practice. Each chapter stands alone, so you may work ahead at your own
pace.
The text is organized as such:
Chapter 1: Arithmetic needed to calculate doses
Chapter 2: Systems of measurement
Chapter 3: Drug abbreviations, labels and packaging
Chapter 4: Oral medication calculations
Chapter 5: Liquid injection calculations
Chapter 6: IV drip calculations
Chapter 7: Advanced IV drip calculations
Chapter 8: Pediatric medication calculations
Chapter 9: Medication administration information
Chapter 10: Medication administration procedures
Key Features
• Clinical dosage problems
• Easy-to-learn formulas
• Step-by-step approach in solving methods
• Demonstration of four methods of calculation (formula, proportion expressed as two ratios, proportion
expressed as two fractions, dimensional analysis)
• Self-tests in each chapter with answers at the end of the chapter
• Proficiency tests in each chapter with answers in Appendix A
• Simple to complex organization of the text
• Joint Commission-approved abbreviations
• Test Your Clinical Savvy—“what if” situations that stimulate critical thinking
• Glossary with definitions and common abbreviations
• Putting It Together—case studies with application of dosage calculations and critical thinking questions with
suggested answers in Appendix B
• Handy quick reference plastic card with common conversions and formulas