title: Using dimensional analysis to improve drug dosage calculation ability.
abstract: Confidence and accuracy in medication calculation ability continue to be problematic among nursing students. This deficiency has been attributed to poor basic mathematical skills, inconsistent teaching methods, and inconsistent or incorrect use of multiple mathematical formulas. This article provides evidence of the value of dimensional analysis as an effective teaching strategy for calculating drug dosages.
authors.affiliation: Department of Acute Nursing Care, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Nursing, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA. ricej@uthscsa.edu
authors.forename: Janis N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Rice
authors.forename: Margaret L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Bell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000451:nursing* / Q000592:standards; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control; D008875:Middle Aged; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D010600:Pharmacology / Q000193:education*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011340:Problem Solving; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards