Math's Impact on Nursing - Report Sample

Introduction

Mathematics is a crucial tool used by nurses in their day-to-day operations. The mastery of mathematics enables any nursing professional to execute their services seamlessly. One of the significant impacts of Maths in nursing is its role; it plays a communication tool. Physicians usually use Math’s equation to communicate the nurse’s dosage to administer to their patient. Thus, the nurse will do some calculations to develop the correct dosage of the patient (Royal College of Nursing). A nurse’s failure to administer the correct dosage can end up slowing down the patients’ recovery process, or at times it can have a life-threatening effect (Choudhary & Malthus, 2). For instance, if a nurse gives an underdose to the patient, it might take a longer time for the individual to recover.

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On the other hand, an overdose can become a life-threatening experience for the patient, especially for those with a weak body like kids. An underdose during a surgery process can cause a patient to wake up during a surgical operation. In line with drug administration, the nurses will use Math’s concepts in calculating intravenous drip rate and drug titration.

Metric Units

Additionally, mathematics concepts usually come in handy as a tool for doing conversions of metric units. For instance, the United States normally use ounces and pounds as a means of measuring weight. However, the clinical environment requires nurses to use units such as kilograms. Therefore, nursing professionals will use Math concepts to convert weight from pounds to kilograms. Nurses also use mathematical concepts to take measurements, such as their patients’ weight and height (Choudhary & Malthus, 3). In a clinical environment, Math’s concepts serve as tools for monitoring patients’ conditions. In a scenario whereby a nurse wants to monitor if the patient is improving or deteriorating, the individual will monitor vital signs such as drop or raise in the blood pressure.

Mathematical concepts also play a crucial role in clinical research when analyzing and interpreting collected patients’ data. The proper analysis of medical statistical information will come in handy in making the right decisions, thus aiding adequate healthcare administration. In the recent past, the world witnessed the surge of patients who contracted the COVID-19 disease, killing thousands of patients daily (WHO). The application of Math’s concept comes in handy in this scenario since nurses used statistical information to know that many fatalities emanated from elderly individuals and patients with chronic ailments.

Mathematics concepts also help manage the patients’ conditions such as proper calculation of BMI, calorie intake, expected delivery date during the pregnancy period, ovulation date, and many more. Also, Math’s concepts impact the nursing field by helping nurses manage their equipment effectively during their daily operations. For instance, a nurse in theatre will account for the equipment present in the working room, whereas a nurse who dresses patients’ wounds will account for the items used in taking care of the injuries and burns.

Conclusion

It is imperative for all nurses to master Math concepts since they will play a crucial role in their daily operations. Understandably, most people hate mathematics, and they will do anything to avoid Math lessons. However, nursing students can overcome such challenges by ensuring that they do a daily practice hence making themselves confident. Additionally, students need to understand that one needs a long time before they can understand all the concepts.

Works Cited

Choudhary, Renu, and Caroline Malthus. “The impact of targeted mathematics/numeracy tutorials on math’s anxiety, numeracy, and basic drug calculation exam marks.” (2017).

Royal College of Nursing. “Maths Matters: Clinical Topics: Royal College of Nursing.” The Royal College of Nursing, 2019. http://www.rcn.org.uk/clinical-topics/safety-in-numbers/maths-matters.

WHO. “Statement – Older People Are at Highest Risk from COVID-19, but All Must Act to Prevent Community Spread.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 28 Sept. 2020,
http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19/statements/statement-older-people-are-at-highest-risk-from-covid-19,-but-all-must-act-to-prevent-community-spread.