Drip Rates

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TornWingedAngel1

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Hello, I'm going through my paramedic program now, and we're getting too drip rates.

I know math is my absolutely weakest subject, so I personally need to spend some extra time mastering this.

I was wondering if anyone knew of any places that I would get practice drip rate problems. Or if anyone has any tips I would appreciate that, too.

Thanks. ^_^
 
learn how to do a conversion factor
 
Honestly, its easier than it appears. I was very intimidated prior to Paramedic school while looking at the Pharm books with all the math and calculations.

Just remember the few easy formulas and you will be fine.

For example,

Dopamine = dose x weight(kg) x drip set(60) / concentration (1600).

Lidocaine = 2grams in 500mL = 4mg/mL. So when using a 60gtts set you know 60 drops = 4mg/min, 45 drops = 3mg/min, 30 drops = 2mg/min, and 15 drops = 1mg/min.

And for a parenteral medication just remember - dose x volume / concentration = how much to drawl into the syringe.

Emergency drugs are packaged to be very simple to calculate and most are intuitive calculations. You can just look at the vial and right away know how much to give. In the cases you don't use the formula above.

Make some small reference cards, laminate them, and keep them with you while doing clinicals and review them at home. I found these to be very helpful.

And of course, know how to find your concentrations, etc in case you come across drugs in different concentrations.
 
Thanks for finally posting some paramedic subjects 18G example helped. I'm studying for prep class right now.
 
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