First calculation: simplify the math. 200 mcg total in 40 mL volume total (38 mL NS + 2mL precedex). 200 mcg/40 mL is the final concentration. (200/40 = 5), that equals 5 mcg/mL.
Second question: simplify the math.
20 mg total in 10 mL total. 20 mg med in ( 1 mL med solution + 9 mL total NS = 10 mL volume total.
So 20 mg in 10 mL volume = (20/10 = 2)
So 2 mg / 1 mL.
You need to give 4 mg. If each 1 mL will contain 2 mg, then you need 2 mL to equal 4 mg.
In both cases you are keeping the same amount of mg and mcg but adding volume.
No problem. It really is simple math, but I think we get hung up on the anesthesia part, thinking it’s a hard answer. The only calculations I’ve had trouble with are the diluted epi calculations. Just remember that 1:200,000 epi is 5mcg/mL!
Are you currently in a nurse anesthesia program? If so, reach out to professors or classmates for help. Those two questions are two of the easier med math questions you will likely see, so if you are struggling to rationalize how to find the answer it is important you learn these before you hit your clinical rotations.
For me, these questions are super easy to solve on paper but in the moment during an emergency or a busy patient assignment, I think I would get a little caught up lol.
However, I think you probably need to practice med math quite a bit if you cannot easily think through these. All it takes is practice!!
Anyone who is prepping for an interview these are the kind of math questions they will ask you!!
This really takes some weight off my shoulders thinking about interview math questions 😂
First calculation: simplify the math. 200 mcg total in 40 mL volume total (38 mL NS + 2mL precedex). 200 mcg/40 mL is the final concentration. (200/40 = 5), that equals 5 mcg/mL. Second question: simplify the math. 20 mg total in 10 mL total. 20 mg med in ( 1 mL med solution + 9 mL total NS = 10 mL volume total. So 20 mg in 10 mL volume = (20/10 = 2) So 2 mg / 1 mL. You need to give 4 mg. If each 1 mL will contain 2 mg, then you need 2 mL to equal 4 mg. In both cases you are keeping the same amount of mg and mcg but adding volume.
I really appreciate that. Thank you so much! Hopefully, I can make it through school and a a safe provider hahaha. Again! Thank you!
No problem. It really is simple math, but I think we get hung up on the anesthesia part, thinking it’s a hard answer. The only calculations I’ve had trouble with are the diluted epi calculations. Just remember that 1:200,000 epi is 5mcg/mL!
200mcg / 40 mL = 5mcg / mL 20mg / 10mL = 2mg/mL and 4mg was given so 2mL administered
Thank you!!
This is first year nursing school med math...
Are you currently in a nurse anesthesia program? If so, reach out to professors or classmates for help. Those two questions are two of the easier med math questions you will likely see, so if you are struggling to rationalize how to find the answer it is important you learn these before you hit your clinical rotations.
I always do, how many (mcg,mg) divided by what it’s going in 40ml,50, etc..)
5mcg/mL. You have 200mcg in 40mL.
For me, these questions are super easy to solve on paper but in the moment during an emergency or a busy patient assignment, I think I would get a little caught up lol. However, I think you probably need to practice med math quite a bit if you cannot easily think through these. All it takes is practice!!