IT'S NOW OFFICIAL... R.N.

After weeks of studying and all the stress in this world combined, i am proud to say that i am now officially a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois as of July 30, 2009.

BIG SIGH OF RELIEF!!!!! i felt like all the burdens have been lifted off my shoulders! now, it's time to be aggressive in finding a job and start earning money. Thank God for all the blessings! Read more...

Calculating IV flow rates

Intravenous fluid must be given at a specific rate, neither too fast nor too slow. The specific rate may be measured as milliliter per hour (ml/hr) or drops per minute (gtt/min).

The formula used are:
1. if there is no drip factor given, the question will always ask for ml/hr or flow rate ***ml/hr = volume given / hours***
Sample problem:
An order was written to infuse a liter of IV fluid every 8 hours, at what rate would the IV pump be set for?
>>> Solution <<<
ml/hr = 1000ml/8hrs = 125 ml/hr

2. If drip factor is given, the answer will always be gtt/min
***gtt/min = volume x drop factor / hours x 60***

Sample problem:
1500 ml IV Saline is ordered over 12 hours. Using a drop factor of 15 drops/ml, how many drops per minute need to be delivered?
>>> Solution <<<
gtt/min = 15gtt/1ml x 1500ml/12 hrs x 1 hr/60min = 31.25gtt/min

3.
Sample 3
MD ordered 100ml of NaCl to be infused over 30 minutes with a drip factor of 16gtt/ml
gtt/min = 16gtt/1ml x 100ml/30min = 53.33

click below for sample problems



1. Order: D5W 1000ml q6 hours IV. What is the flow rate of there is an infusion pump?

2. Order: LR 1000ml over 12 hours using an infusion pump. What is the flow rate?

3. Order: Infuse 10% lipids 500 ml over 10 hours. What is the flow rate?

4. Order: Verapamil 1mg/hr IV. Available: Verapamil 10mg in 100ml D5W. What is the infusion rate?

5. Order: Dopamine 7mcg/kg/min. Available: Dopamine 400mg in 250 ml D5W. Patient weight is 125.4lbs. What is the infusion rate?

will type gtt/min problems later...

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Med Dosage Calculation

Common Conversion Used in Nursing

1ml = 1cc = 15gtt
1ml = 60 microdrops
1t = 5ml
1T = 3t = 15ml
1 oz = 30ml
1cup = 240ml
1L = 1000ml
1ml = 15 minims
1g = 1000mg = 1000mcg
1kg = 2.2 lbs
1 grain = 60mg *grain is always expressed in Roman Numerals

Click below to see a sample computation and sample problems

Sample problem:

MD ordered Aspirin gr X for headache. The drug on hand is Aspirin 300mg. What would be the correct dosage?
*always write the unknown on the left side and start your solution on the right that corresponds to the given*

solution:

Tab = 1tab x 60mg x 60gr = 2tablets
_____________________
..... 300mg .... 1gr
* cross out the same units of measurements (like those in red) and you will be left with whatever you were looking for*



SAMPLE MATH TEST:
1. A client has an order for Chloromycetin 500mg q6 hours. The drug comes in 250mg per capsule. How many capsules would the client receieve in 24 hours?

2. A client has an order for Phenobarbital gr. 1.5 The drug is available in 30mg tablets. What would be the correct dosage?

3. An order of Aminophylline 300mg IV STAT was ordered. The stock is 200mg/5ml. How much of this drug should the patient get?

4. A client has an order for Ampicillin 500m. The stock is Ampicillin 125 mg. How many capsules should the patient get?

5. The doctor has ordered Toradol 45mg IM for migraine headache. The medication is supplied in 30mg/ml. How many ml should the nurse give?

6. The physician has ordered Lovenox 80mg SQ QD for prevention of DVT. The medication comes in 80mg/0.8ml. How many cc should the nurse administer?

7. A patient's meal tray came back with the following items consumed. 1 cup of coffee, 1/2 cup of milk, 2 cups of fruit juice, 1 cup of jello. What would be documented in the patient's intake?

8. The doctor Ordered Stadol 0.002g IM PRN for pain. The drug is supplied in 1mg/ml. How many mililiters will the nurse administer?


Answer:
1. 2 capsules
2. 3 tablets
3. 7.5 ml
4. 4 capsules
5. 1.5 ml
6. 0.8 ml
7. 840 oz
8. 2 ml



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a little update

ive finally finished nursing school May 16th!!! woo hoo!!! now on to the pressure of passing the boards. the last semester was a roller coaster for me, so much studying to do, lots of drama, class officer headaches, you name it - i have experienced it. But all of those are behind me now and i'm so glad!!!! can't wait to have a job too ahahahaha

so now, im reformatting this blog for my friend who will start nursing program this fall. i feel like it would just be right to share my knowledge and kinda help it make it easy for others to stay in the nursing program. i had someone who had been an angel to me giving me tips and advices and i know its time to return the favor by helping someone else.

so Cel, this is for you!!!! goodluck on your journey to nursing school. One advice, dont dwell on whatever hardships you will come across, always think that tomorrow will be better. i will always be here if you need guidance and some inspiration!

by the way, here's something as an inspiration:

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