Chapter 1: The Foundations of Nursing Calculations
* Introduction to nursing calculations and their importance in patient care
* Review of basic math concepts: fractions, decimals, and proportions
* Dimensional analysis and the use of unit conversion factors
* Real example: Calculating the dosage of a medication using dimensional analysis
* Order: 500 mg of medication Q8H
* Vial: 1000 mg/mL
* Dimensional analysis: (500 mg/mL) x (1 mL/1000 mg) = 0.5 mL/dose
Chapter 2: Dosage Calculations
* Principles of dosage calculations: weight-based, volume-based, and flow rate calculations
* Calculating medication dosages for adults, children, and infants
* Common dosage forms and routes of administration
* Real example: Calculating the dosage of an IV medication based on weight
* Order: 10 mg/kg Q6H
* Patient weight: 50 kg
* Dosage: 10 mg/kg x 50 kg = 500 mg/dose
Chapter 3: Intravenous Flow Rate Calculations
* Principles of IV flow rate calculations: drip rate, volume to be infused, and infusion time
* Using the formula: Flow rate = Volume ÷ Time
* Calculating flow rates for various IV fluids and medications
* Real example: Calculating the flow rate for a 1000 mL IV bag to be infused over 8 hours
* Formula: Flow rate = 1000 mL ÷ 8 hours = 125 mL/hour
Chapter 4: Solution Dilution Calculations
* Principles of solution dilution calculations: Stock concentration, desired concentration, and volume
* Using the formula: (Stock Concentration x Stock Volume) = (Desired Concentration x Desired Volume)
* Calculating dilutions for IV medications, irrigations, and other solutions
* Real example: Calculating the amount of saline needed to dilute a concentrated medication
* Order: Dilute 10 mL of 5 mg/mL medication to 25 mL
* Formula: (5 mg/mL x 10 mL) = (X mg/mL x 25 mL)
* X = 2 mg/mL; therefore, add 15 mL of saline to 10 mL of medication
Chapter 5: Advanced Nursing Calculations
* More complex nursing calculations, such as Body Mass Index (BMI), fluid balance, and drug half-life
* Using formulas and conversions relevant to various nursing situations
* Real example: Calculating the fluid deficit in a patient with dehydration
* Weight loss in kg: 5 kg
* Body weight before dehydration: 70 kg
* Fluid deficit: 5 kg x 1 L/kg = 5 L
Chapter 6: Practice and Review
* Practice exercises and questions covering all types of nursing calculations
* Review of key concepts and formulas
* Real example: A practice question on calculating the dosage of a medication based on surface area
