MDM101 - Mathematics for Medication Administration

Outline info
Semester
School
Last revision date Jan 27, 2025 12:47:37 AM
Last review date Mar 17, 2025 12:15:01 AM


Subject Title
Mathematics for Medication Administration

Subject Description

Mathematical accuracy is critical for today?s practical nurse. This course will provide the student with the opportunity to practice calculation skills necessary for the safe administration of medications. This course will build upon basic mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, division, multiplication and

metric conversions. This course introduces students to techniques for accurately calculating medication dosages for oral, parenteral and intravenous medications to clients across the lifespan. The theory and practice related to medication dosage calculation and medication administration will be reinforced in subsequent nursing courses in the curriculum.
 

Credit Status
1 Credit towards the Practical Nurse Diploma Program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to convert within the metric system of measurement.
  2. Understand the safety considerations with household measurement systems
  3. Identify high-alert medications and their client safety parameters.
  4. Describe strategies to prevent medication errors and promote client safety
  5. Interpret drug orders and labels relevant to the safe administration of medications
  6. Accurately calculate medication dosages for clients across the lifespan


Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)
Acceptance into the Practical Nursing Diploma Program.

Topic Outline
During this course the student will review, study and apply basic mathematical concepts and calculations in the following areas:

  • Systems of Measurement
  • Safe Medication Administration
  • Understanding Medication Orders and Drug Labels
  • Calculation of Oral Medication Doses
  • Calculation of Parenteral Medication Doses
  • Drug Dosage Protocols & Insulin/Heparin Administration
  • Reconstitution of Medication Doses
  • Intravenous Fluids & Secondary IV Lines
  • Weight Based Dose Calculations
  • Intake and Output Calculations

Mode of Instruction
Classroom:
A variety of teaching methods will be used in this class including a combination of classroom and online modules. Students are expected to follow the schedule and work through the designated sections online independently and be prepared to demonstrate their learning online and/or in-class. Students who are having difficulty are expected to contact the professor as soon as the problem becomes apparent and seek extra assistance through the Learning Centre.

Online: All class work is completed in a fully online environment. Students do not attend any classes on campus; however, the final exam must be written in-person at the Test Centre of the College at which you registered. . If you are unable to do so, please make alternative arrangements through the College at which you registered.

Students interested in pursuing hybrid or online courses must have strong time management skills and regular access to a home or office computer with an Internet connection and web access.

  • teacher facilitated
  • cooperative learning groups
  • independent study
  • mini-lectures and discussion

Prescribed Texts
College of Nurses of Ontario. (2019). Medication. Toronto, Canada: ISBN 978-1-77116-134-3 Retrieved from http://www.cno.org/globalassets/docs/prac/41007_medication.pdf

Killian, Tania. Gray Morris's Calculate with Confidence (2nd Canadian Ed.). Elsevier Canada. ISBN 9780323695718



To find out the cost of books and learning material go here.

Any courses not listed on the bookstore webpage do not require any resources for purchase. All resources will be provided by your instructor.

Required Supplies
A basic 8-digit calculator can be used. Scientific calculators, programmable calculators, PDAs, cell phones or other non-basic types of calculators are excluded from use on all tests and examinations.

Student Progression and Promotion Policy

In order to achieve a grade of Satisfactory, students must achieve a minimum grade of 80%.
Failure to do so will prevent the student from entry to PNC220


 

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+ 90%  to  100%
A 80%  to  89%
B+ 75%  to  79%
B 70%  to  74%
C+ 65%  to  69%
C 60%  to  64%
D+ 55%  to  59%
D 50%  to  54%
F 0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXC Excellent
SAT Satisfactory
UNSAT Unsatisfactory

For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).



Modes of Evaluation
Classroom:

Test 1 30%
Test 2 30%
Final Comprehensive Exam 40%


There are no rewrite tests. Dates for evaluations are specified in the weekly schedule addendum to this outline. The evaluation process may include, but is not limited to, tests, exams, assignments or presentations.

Any absences or missed submissions due to medical or other reasons must be supported by medical or other appropriate documentation within one (1) week of the due date. Failure to produce documentation within the timeframe will result in a grade of zero in the missed evaluation. The faculty and program area must be notified immediately in the event of a missed evaluation. Upon acceptance of the documentation, the weighting of the missed deliverable will normally be applied to the final exam.

Grading Policy
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Online:

Quizzes 30%
Assignment 30%
Final Comprehensive Exam 40%

Approved by: Lisa Harfield