MAST 1150 - Applied Math for Medical Assistants

Credit Hours: 2.00

Objectives:

1. Apply mathematical computations to solve equations
2. Define basic units of measurement
   1. Metric system
   2. Household system
3. Convert among measurement systems
4. Identify abbreviations and symbols used in calculating medication dosages
5. Calculate proper dosages of medication for administration

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, student will be able to locate dosage strengths utilizing oral and parenteral medication labels.

Objectives:

1. Reading Oral Medication Labels and Dosage Calculation
2. Identify scored tablets, unscored tablets, and capsules
3. Read drug labels to identify trade and generic names
4. Locate dosage strengths and calculate simple dosages
5. Measure oral solutions using a medicine cup.
6. Utilize Medication Administration Records
7. List the Rights of Medication Administration
8. List action steps with Medication Errors
9. Identify correct hypodermic syringe for measurement of parenteral solutions
   1. A standard 3 mL/cc syringe
   2. Safety syringes
   3. A tuberculin syringe
   4. Tubex and carpuject cartridges
   5. 5, 6, 10 12, and 20 mL/cc syringes
10. Read parenteral solution labels and identify dosage strengths
11. Measure parenteral dosages in metric, milliequivalent, unit, percentage, and ratio strengths using 3 mL/cc, TB, 6, 12 and 20mL/cc syringes
12. Identify how to prepare solutions from powdered drugs using directions printed on vial label
13. Determine expiration dates and times for reconstituted drugs
14. Calculate simple dosages for reconstituted drugs.
15. Measure Insulin Dosages
    1. Discuss types of insulin
    2. Discuss the difference between rapid-, intermediate-, short- and long-acting insulins
    3. Read insulin labels to identify origin and type
    4. Read calibrations on U-100 insulin syringes
    5. Measure single insulin dosages
    6. Measure combined insulin dosages

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, student will be able to calculate dosage strengths utilizing oral and parenteral medication labels.

Objectives:

1. Perform dosage calculations using ratio and proportion
2. Define ratio and proportion
3. Solve dosage problems using ratio and proportion
4. Assess answers obtained to determine if they are logical
5. Set up a basic Dimensional Analysis equation
6. Set up a basic Dimensional Analysis equation requiring metric conversions
7. Use the formula method to solve simple dosage problems containing metric units and mEq dosages

Outcome 4: Upon completion of this course, student will be able to state the rules of medication administration.

1. Right patient
2. Right medication
3. Right dose
4. Right route
5. Right time
6. Right documentation

• Communication: The graduate can communicate effectively for the intended purpose and audience.
• Critical Thinking: The graduate can make informed decisions after analyzing information or evidence related to the issue.
• Global Literacy: The graduate can analyze human behavior or experiences through cultural, social, political, or economic perspectives.
• Information Literacy: The graduate can responsibly use information gathered from a variety of formats in order to complete a task.
• Quantitative Reasoning: The graduate can apply quantitative methods or evidence to solve problems or make judgments.
• Scientific Literacy: The graduate can produce or interpret scientific information presented in a variety of formats.

1. Refresher Math Skills
2. Drug Measures
3. Medication Labels and syringe calibrations
4. Dosage Calculations