Medical Dosage Calculations for Dummies - (For Dummies) by Richard Snyder & Barry Schoenborn (Paperback)

About the Book

Most medical dosage calculations are simple, and this guide provides helpful content in an approachable and easy-to-understand format. It give you the practice, confidence, and skills to get a grasp on dosing in the context of real medical conditions.

Book Synopsis

Score your highest in a medical dosage calculations course

A recent shortage of nurses in a society with an aging population has triggered the demand for students to enter the field of medical study. A dosage calculations course is required for most students earning an applied science degree in nursing, pharmacology, or paramedic programs.

Medical Dosage Calculations For Dummies tracks a typical dosage calculations course and provides helpful content in an approachable and easy-to-understand format. Plus, you'll get examples of the various calculations made to determine the appropriate quantity of drug or solution that should be administered to patients.

• Calculating drug dosages utilizing ratio-proportion, formula, and dimensional analysis
• Systems of measurement, including metric and apothecary and other conversion equivalents for a global audience
• The ins and outs of the charting systems for MAR (Medicine Administration Records)

If you're one of the hundreds of thousands of students aspiring to enter the medical field, Medical Dosage Calculations For Dummies is your ticket for scoring your highest on exams.

From the Back Cover

Score your highest in a medical dosage calculations course

Are you intimidated by the mere mention of math? Fear not! Most medical dosage calculations are simple, and this friendly guide provides helpful content in an approachable and easy-to-understand format. Tracking to a typical dosage calculations course, it gives you the practice, confidence, and skills to get a grasp on dosing in the context of real medical conditions.

• The dosage path needs basic math -- get a review of the math you need to calculate medical dosages, like systems of measurement, converting units, and more
• Just what the doctor ordered -- review the elements of a prescription, take a look at drug labels and patient safety, grasp the all-important MAR (Medication Administration Record), and get the 411 on proper medical documentation
• The many causes for calculations -- start putting your skills to practice as you work through calculations for oral, parenteral, and intravenous medications
• Special mentions -- take note of the considerations you'll make when calculating dosages for children, pregnant women, critical care patients, and others

Open the book and find:

• Step-by-step instructions for dosage calculations
• Plain-English math reviews
• Formulas for all calculation methods
• Helpful information on prescriptions and record keeping
• The anatomy of a marvelous MAR
• Tons of examples from real-life dosing scenarios
• The ten dosage calculations you really need to know
• Common dosing mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Learn to:

• Calculate drug dosages using ratio-proportion, formula, and dimensional analysis methods
• Master measurement system conversions
• Calculate basic IV flow rates and infusion times for IV therapy
• Grasp pediatric dosage calculations

About the Author

Dr. Richard W. Snyder, DO is an osteopathic physician, board certified in both internal medicine and nephrology. He has authored and coauthored several articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Barry Schoenborn is a longtime technical writer and is the coauthor of Technical Math For Dummies.