Maricopa Community Colleges  NCE214MS   19946-19956 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 03/22/94
NCE214MS 19946-19956 L+L 1 Credit(s) 2 Period(s)
Math/Methods of Drug Calculation
Focuses on basic mathematical concepts utilizing decimals, fractions, simple ratios and proportion problems as they progress through metric - apothecary conversion problems and IV flow rate computations. Emphasis on utilization of ratio-proportion problem-solving methods. Prerequisites: None.
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
NCE214MS   19946-19956 Math/Methods of Drug Calculation
1. Apply basic arithmetical concepts using decimals and fractions. (I)
2. Apply the mathematical concepts in solving medication problems. (II)
3. Calculate intravenous infusion problems correctly. (III)
4. Calculate the medication dosage based on its composition. (IV)
5. Convert dosages from the apothecary system to the metric system and vice versa. (V)
6. Calculate medication dosages from given orders and available supply of drug. (V)
7. Calculate conversion problems, including body weights from metric to avoirdupois, and vice versa, and temperatures from Celsius to Fahrenheit, and vice versa. (VI)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
NCE214MS   19946-19956 Math/Methods of Drug Calculation
    I. Arithmetic Skills Review
        A. Decimals
        B. Fractions
      II. Problem-Solving Techniques
          A. Dimensional analysis
          B. Ratio and proportion
        III. Intravenous Infusions
            A. Factors that influence flow rate
            B. Intravenous orders
            C. Calculating intravenous infusions
              1. MI/hr
              2. Gtts/min
              3. Time to infuse a given amount of fluid
              4. Amount of fluid which will infuse in a given time
          IV. Composition of Medications
              A. Tablets
                1. Enteric coated
                2. Scored
              B. Capsules
              C. Liquid medications
                1. Weight per volume
                2. Units per volume
            V. Medication Orders
                A. Apothecary and metric systems of measurement
                  1. Abbreviations
                  2. Common equivalents
                    a. Within a system
                    b. Between systems
                B. Calculating dosages
                  1. Within same system
                  2. Between systems
                  3. From percent(%) solutions
              VI. Other Conversions
                  A. Body weights from metric to avoirdupois, and vice versa
                  B. Temperatures from Celsius to Fahrenheit, and vice versa
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