Useful Mathematics in Nursing

Nursing Related Calculations and Formulas

Nursing is one of the professions which need lot of knowledge and skills, especially when you work as a bedside nurse. To be a good  nurse, sometimes we have to prove that we are a good Mathematician too...:) cos we are doing lot of maths everyday....:) Here I am sharing few useful formulas and tips which will help you in your daily nursing practice.

INTRAVENOUS FLUID CALCULATION FORMULAS

Drops per minute

Drops per minute      = ( Total volume x Drip factor) / Time in minutes

Milliliters per hour    = Total volume in ML / Number of hours

Infusion Time           = Total Volume / ML per hour to be infused

DRIP FACTOR

Drip factor means number of drops delivered per milliliter by a drip set or IV set

Adult IV Set            =  20 ggt/minute (ggt means drops)

Pediatric IV set        =  60 gtt/minute.

FAHRENHEIT AND CELSIUS CONVERSION FORMULA

C = (F-32) x 5/9

F = (Cx 9/5) + 32

Another one is

C = ( F-32) x 1.8

F =  (Cx 1.8) + 32

 CONVERSION TABLE FOR NURSES

          Value                      to          Value

• 1 Gram                   =         1000 Milligram
• 1 Milligram            =         1000 Microgram
• 1 Grain                   =         60 Milligram
• 1 Tablespoon         =         3 Teaspoons/15ml
• 1 Teaspoon             =        5 Milliliters
• 1 Ounce                  =        30 Milliliters
• 1 Cup                      =        8 Ounce
• 1 Pound                  =        2.2 Kilogram
• 1 Inch                      =        2.54 Centimeters
• 1 Quart                   =        32 Ounce
• 1 Gallon                  =        128 Ounce
• 1 Quart                   =        2 Pints