Dimensional Analysis for Nursing Pharmacology (example questions)

The biggest benefit I see to dimensional analysis is that it means you only have to know ONE process. Other ways teach you multiple different formulas to learn. And – while we think we’ve done a pretty good job breaking that down for you in the basics of calculations lesson, we still believe that having only one way to do things every time is way better! The other benefit is that dimensional analysis works for all types of calculations – simple, complex, weight based, lots of conversions or super straight forward – it still works! And there’s no need to do any separate conversions or rounding in the middle of the process. Everything happens with ONE final calculation. We’re going to talk you through the process of dimensional analysis with the same problem we used in the Basics of Calculations lesson, then I’m going to show you how it work for simple AND complex problems by working a few out. In the other med math lessons on the different types of problems, we will use this method, because we honestly feel like it’s the best way to go.

So when you start dimensional analysis, you always start with what you’re looking for and build your equation from there. So let’s read this problem. The provider orders 60 mEq of KCl IV to be given over 4 hours. The bag contains 100 mEq in 1 L of NS. What is the rate you should set on the pump? So first things first – identify our variables – what are we looking for? Setting a rate on an IV pump always means mL per hour – so write that here, then write an equals sign because we’re going to be setting up an equation. Okay – step 1 – start with what you’re looking for.

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[ingridbrown]

-I am an instructor and your explanation dimensional analysis was really simple and easy. Good job. Highly recommended,

[chezneys]

This is the method that clicked for me! It's a backward dimensional analysis than the program taught but I get the correct answer everytime and it works perfectly! Having the left side of the equation be what is "needed" makes it so easy to figure out where to start and what to cancel. Thank you whoever you are!!! So much!!!

[reginecollier]

I solely do it this way! Thanks to your video, I have it down packed !!! Thank !

[thsamething]

Thank you so much for this video! You explained it so well that I understood it perfectly after watching your video only once. Much appreciated 💯

[urielmendoza]

I saw another video and it confused me... then I saw yours and it made sense, Thank you!

[ljloyd]

Thank you for making this, it is really great, simple and excellent!

[raz]

i’m so confused 😩 this video is great but i can’t get rid of one of my conversions like you did with hours and minutes

[kkojqxf]

How did you know it what numbers go on top

[simplycj]

How would I know what goes up and what goes down?

[kath.]

Is there a way a could send you a photo of a problem to help me work out?

[girlfriennn]

i feel like the dumbest person on earth. ive never been good with math. I thought i was getting it until that last question lol

[pepitobenegas]

dimensional analysis is such an awful and confusing method.

[simplycj]

How would I know what always goes up and what goes down?