Clinical Calculations

Laurel A. Eisenhauer

This book provides information and exercises on various mathematical calculations used in a variety of settings in nursing practice. The book provides information beyond the basic, including calculations for specialty areas. It is intended for use by nursing students but also would be useful to RNs returning to practice or changing their practice setting. This book provides students with several mathematical approaches to solving the problems (basic formula, ratio and proportion, fractional equation, and dimensional analysis). It includes information and calculations needed to handle various types of IV equipment as well as the particular calculations needed in specialty areas such as pediatrics, critical care, pediatric critical care, labor and delivery, and community. It also discusses techniques of drug administration by various routes, including enteral nutrition and drug administration. An introductory section reviews basic mathematics. Answers to problems are provided within each chapter, thus facilitating student self-learning of the skills. Cards with formulae and conversions can be removed from the back of the book and carried by student into the clinical area for quick reference. Effective use of diagrams and photos enhances the content. This is an attractive, well-designed book with effective use of multicolor print and color copies of actual drug product labels.

From The Critics

Reviewer: Kathryn Kushto-Reese, MS, RN(Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing)
Description: This book is a comprehensive review and guide to basic math and drug calculations. It is a guide to the application of these calculations to clinical practice both in general medical/surgical areas as well as a variety of specialty areas in nursing practice. The authors teach practical application in an interesting way.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide a comprehensive application of calculations for drug administration in nursing practice. The authors present the latest equipment and formulas used for drug administration. Their objectives are relevant in applying knowledge and in updating current state of the art trends in the practice setting. The inclusion of specialty areas is also helpful in application to practice.
Audience: The authors have written this book for students and beginning practitioners. It can also be used as a review or for a refresher course, as well as for nurses who are entering a new specialty area. I agree with the authors and respect their knowledge in this subject area and their attempt to include current trends.
Features: This book is very comprehensive and the authors do a good job of covering basic application of drug calculations to clinical practice. I am a pediatric nurse and found this section to be very complete. The illustrations, tables, and graphs are very helpful in teaching the content. The colored headings help to emphasize material as well as make a rather dry subject more interesting. More basic problem sets for the beginning student would be needed and would require adding length to the book.
Assessment: I personally find this book to be more useful and interesting than the previous edition. I especially like the updated version on specialty areas. I think students will find it interesting and helpful as well. I appreciate the fact that I can use the book for pediatrics and for basic drug calculations.

From the Publisher

"The book usefully links calculations to actual conditions and diagnoses, helping nurses to like theory to practice." Nursing Standard, March 25 2009

5 Stars! from Doody