FALL 2001
Syllabus
INSTRUCTOR: Dee Ann Decker, RN, MSNCatalog Description: 1 hr
Using dimensional analysis, the student performs drug dosage calculations for administration of medications and monitoring of intravenous solutions for clients. Dosage calculations include reading, interpreting and solving calculation problems encountered in the preparation of medications and conversions of measurements within the apothecary, avoirdupois (household), and metric system.
The course is an introduction to dimensional analysis and is a prerequisite for acceptance into the nursing program. Dimensional Analysis is a method of calculating medication dosages. It is important that you learn this particular method as it is the one used by the nursing department.
Before we begin I want to state some of the reasons that this class is necessary for pre-nursing students.
#1 When using dimensional analysis for drug calculations it is impossible to make a mistake (errors can occur with the multiplication and division). Nurses must be very accurate when calculating how much of a medication to give to a client.
#2 Every semester that you are in the O.C. nursing program you will be required to take a drug calculation exam. Since this is a skill that you will use every day of your nursing career, and less than perfection is not acceptable, you will be frequently tested.
Terminal Objectives:
1. Demonstrate the ability to use critical thinking skills in problem solving.
2. Utilize Dimensional Analysis to set up equations for problem solving.
3. Identify the steps needed to set up Dimensional Analysis equations.
4. Define key terms.
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate competency in:
1. solving problems using a critical thinking approach
2. converting between metric, apothecary and avoirdupois (household) systems
Course competencies:
1. Students will demonstrate competency in using metric, apothecary and household systems.
a. Students will demonstrate competency in the use of equivalents effectively.
b. Students will demonstrate competency in converting values between systems.
2. Students will demonstrate competency in calculating medication dosages.
a. Students will review the basic principals of mathematics.
b. Students will be able to properly set up dosage problems.
c. Students will combine knowledge of equivalencies and basic principals of mathematics to correctly solve dosage calculation equations.
A discussion group is included in this course in order to assure contact between students and the instructor. A new topic will be presented each week. Each student is required to give input on each topic through the link on the discussion page. Each week the instructor will exchange thoughts and ideas with the students.
The CD that accompanies the text is a required resource for this course. It includes explanations on dimensional analysis and several self-tests. These areas will be included in discussion group topics.
A bulletin board is included to assist in facilitating student/teacher communication. Any information concerning emergency changes in scheduling or assignments will be posted at this site. Also information on scheduling appointments for testing or to make arrangements for student/faculty meetings will be posted.
ON CAMPUS REQUIREMENTS:
NONE
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS: Curren, A.M. & Munday, L.D. (1998). Dimensional analysis for meds. San Diego: W.I. Publications, Inc.
GRADING: To complete this course you will need to take multiple on-line quizzes and two exams. In order to pass the quizzes you will need to complete the assigned pages in the workbook and work through the CD ROM. The two exams are the midterm and the final. You will be notified about the date these tests will be placed on-line. Your grades are based on the scores of these two exams. The midterm will weigh 40% of your grade and the final will weigh 60%. You must pass the final with a minimum grade of 80%. You may retake the final up to 3 times. A different exam will be provided for each retake.
On-line practice quizzes are not for a grade but rather to provide practice and
to increase precision. You are required to submit an on-line quiz every week and
also to enter a comment or answer specific questions on discussion topics at the
discussion group link.
Before the final, ALL quizzes must be submitted. These will cover the cumulative
content. No quizzes will be accepted later than the last day of
scheduled classes according to the O.C. calendar 7 days prior to taking the
final exam.
GRADE DISTRIBUTION:
A = 90 – 100
B = 80 – 89
C = 75 – 79
F = 74 or below
To enter the nursing program your scores for the two exams must average a minimum of 75%.
Note: all workbook assignments and on-line quizzes are for self-test purposes only. They will not be graded. However, in order to pass the midterm and the final exams it is highly recommended that you utilize all available practice exercises including ones provided in your text, the accompanying CD, and those provided online.
FACULTY HOURS: The instructor for this course will be available to you by phone, in person during office hours, and by e-mail. Office hours are on Fridays from 10:00 - 3:00. Please feel free to call and speak with your instructor. Your instructor is one of your best resources and will be glad to help you in any way.