Mathematics is used by many professions.
Every day, nurses use math to help them carry out the duties of their job. Math encompasses far more than the simple process of addition and subtraction. If you are planning to become a nurse you will find that math plays a vital role in your career. Everything from caring for your patient to following the orders of the doctor will involve some type of mathematical formula.
Measurements
As a nurse, you will be in charge of administering medication to patients, in the form of an IV medication or a simple dosage of pills. You will find that being able to measure the proper dosage is integral to caring for the patient. Giving an incorrect dosage could be very dangerous to the patient and could cost you a job.
Problem Solving
As with any job, there is a need for problem solving in nursing. Doctors maintain a very busy schedule and generally only visit the patient as needed or on an emergency basis. The main care is left to the nurse. As a nurse you must be aware of the patient's problems and determine best meet their needs. In some cases this may require contacting the physician. In other cases, you may be able to meet their needs effectively on your own using mathematical data such as vital signs and reactions to medications.
Data Analysis and Statistics
In your job as a nurse, you will need to determine how often a medication should be dispensed. You will use data such as how the medication is working and how soon it wears off to determine the appropriate dosing schedule. You will present this data to the physician in charge of ordering the medication to provide him with the information needed to make a decision.
Rations and Proportions
Ratios and proportions are used most often in the dispensing of medication. As a nurse you are given orders by the doctor about how much to dispense based on weight and time. You must then calculate exactly how much medication to dispense and how often. Using mathematical formulas you can determine this number even though the prescription and dosing measurements may vary.
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