NU-132 Math Skills in Nursing II

Course Description: 
This is an elective course for Level I nursing majors. Provides supplemental practice with the dosage calculation skills for NU 135.

• Prerequisite Courses:  Corequisite: NU 133,135

The student will be able to:

1. Model personal and professional actions based on self-reflection, core nursing values, and lifelong growth integrating new knowledge, ethical principles, and legal standards for safe, quality nursing practice.
2. Incorporate nursing knowledge to assess, plan, deliver, and evaluate care within the context of the interprofessional health team.
3. Make evidence-based nursing judgments in the delivery of safe, holistic nursing care.
4. Demonstrate a spirit of inquiry to manage and improve the quality of care and outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
5. Practice relationship-centered communication and incorporate health technology as a member of the interprofessional team.
6. Advocate for a caring, culturally safe, and flourishing environment that reflects the values and needs of Micronesian families and communities.
7. Practice and contribute to the primary care and public health care systems in Micronesia to promote family and community wellness.

B.  STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs)- GENERAL: 
The student will be able to:

1. Perform basic mathematical computations essential for calculating drug dosages in NU 133 and 135.
2. Determine common mathematical procedural errors that contribute to medication errors.
3. Demonstrate interpretation of complex medication orders accurately.
4. Utilize a consistent calculation procedure for dosage problems introduced in NU 133 and 135.
5. Apply communication strategies to prevent and minimize sentinel events with dosage calculations.
6. Develop a learning plan to improve knowledge and skills in dosage calculations and administration of medications.

I = Introduced
D = Demonstrated
M = Mastered

C.  STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs)-SPECIFIC: 
The student will be able to:

General SLO 1. Perform basic mathematical computations essential for calculating drug dosages in NU 133 and 135.

General SLO 2. Determine common mathematical procedural errors that contribute to medication errors.

General SLO 3. Demonstrate interpretation of complex medication orders accurately.

General SLO. 4. Utilize a consistent calculation procedure for dosage problems introduced in NU 133 and 135.

General SLO 5. Apply communication strategies to prevent and minimize sentinel events with dosage calculations.

General SLO 6. Develop a learning plan to improve knowledge and skills in dosage calculations and administration of medications.

D.  COURSE CONTENT

1. Review of basic dosage calculations
2. Estimating correct dosages
3. Common dosage calculation errors
4. Reconstituting solutions
5. Calculating IV drip rates
6. Alternate methods of calculating dosages

E.  METHODS OF INSTRUCTION

1. Mini-lecture.
2. Computer assisted learning activities
3. Online activities.
4. Interactive group activities.
5. Independent learning activities.

F.  REQUIRED TEXT(S) AND COURSE MATERIALS
Bucholz, S. (2012 ).  Henke’s med-math dosage calculation, preparation and Administration (7th ed). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. (or most recent edition)

G.  REFERENCE MATERIALS (previously purchased reference)
Karch, A. (2011).  Focus on nursing pharmacology (5th ed.).  Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. (or most recent edition)

H.  INSTRUCTIONAL COSTS
None

I.   EVALUATION
None

L.  CREDIT BY EXAMINATION
None