This book is designed to help nurses make accurate drug calculations and improve patient safety. It is written in an accessible style to make learning as easy as possible. The simple, clear and friendly approach will be a major help to anyone who hates maths. Real examples from prescriptions and medicine labels are used to simulate actual practice and help make the link with the theory. The range of specialties covered makes the content relevant to all areas of nursing practice.

Table of Contents

Preface Acknowledgements Introduction: Why this book is needed How to use this book Pre-test Section 1 What you require to do a drug calculation 1 Prescriptions, labels and SI units 2 Arithmetic Questions on Section 1 Section 2 How to do a drug calculation 3 Drug calculations explained 4 Calculating oral and other non-parenteral doses 5 Calculating parenteral doses: small volume 6 Calculating parenteral doses: large volume Questions on Section 2 Section 3 How to do a drug calculation in special situations 7 Calculating in obstetrics 8 Calculating in paediatrics 9 Calculations in liver disease and renal impairment Supporting information A Abbreviations B Arithmetical signs C Glossary D Answers to section questions E Answers to calculation exercises F Post-test G Answers to post-test Index