How Do Nurses Use Math in Their Job?
Nurses use mathematics for calculations in all areas of their duties. From pediatrics to geriatrics, nurses use math to read data, dispense medications, and interpret charts. Without math, patients would not receive their proper dosages, vital signs would be left unchecked, and doctors orders would be left standing.
Statistics
Medical professionals commonly use statistics to gauge how medications will work on people of different physical and mental characteristics. Nurses need to be aware of the statistics behind prescribing medications, and be alert to possible complications due to health conditions or allergies.
Nurses also use statistics in counseling patients on diagnoses or prognoses, or in gathering patient histories. For example, a nurse can use her knowledge of statistics to speak to a patient about a positive mammogram or HIV test.
Algebra
From reading charts to administering medications, nurses use algebra daily. According to the Mathematical Association of America, one way that nurses use algebra is to calculate drug dosages. (See References 1.) The "nursing rule" equation, defined as "drug prescribed divided by dose per measure multiplied by the number of measures," is used regularly to calculate dosages on the ward. Nurses also use algebra to calculate caloric requirements, calibrate equipment, and interpret lab results.
Ratios, Proportions and Percentages
Nurses are rarely presented with whole numbers on the job, and so must be comfortable with fractions and proportions. Charts and patient data are often presented as decimals or percentages, and a nurse must be able to convert between the two.
Dimensional Analysis
Nurses use dimensional analysis---the conversion from one unit to another---frequently on the job. For example, a nurse may have to convert pounds to kilograms to calculate how much medicine to give a patient. A nurse must be able to convert between metric and Imperial measurements, from fractions to decimals, and to and from a variety of other units such as micrograms (mcg) to milligrams (mg). Math Central gives a specific example of how dimensional analysis is used: if a doctor's order is given in mcg/kg/min, a nurse needs to know calculate into milligrams per hour to dispense the medication properly. (See References 2.)
Measurement
Nurses use measurement is used in almost every aspect of their work: pediatric nurses use measurements to determine a child's growth and weight changes; obstetric nurses use measurements to calculate ovulation and menstruation dates, gestational age and date of expected delivery; geriatric nurses use measurement for calculating weight loss, calcium needs, and a variety of other purposes. Nurses need to use measurements to time medications, record intake and outtake of fluids, test blood and urine levels, monitor drip rates and vital signs, interpret electrocardiogram (ECG) readings, and to keep track of medications and other supplies.
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