Lecture/Tutorial
- Fractions, decimals, percentages and scientific notation.
- Ratio and proportion – dimensional analysis.
- Measurement systems.
- Dosage applications and creation of solutions.
- Intravenous fluid calculations
- Clinical applications using dilutions
- Anaesthesia, radiology and nutrition applications.
At the end of this course, the successful student will have reviewed and strengthened their arithmetic and mathematical skills and have a level of mathematical proficiency which will allow them to continue to take courses in the VTEC degree program.
Upon completion of this course, the successful student should be able to:
- perform calculations involving fractions, decimals and percentages
- convert between fractions, decimals and percentages
- perform calculations involving the use of scientific notation
- work with ratios and proportions
- use conversion factors and dimensional analysis
- convert values within the metric system
- convert values from other measurement systems to the metric system
- perform dosage calculations for oral and parenteral medications
- work with percent calculations to create proper medication solutions based upon concentration of drug and animal weight
- perform the calculations required to create single-ingredient solutions, mixed solutions and weaker solutions from stock solutions
- solve clinical problems involving calculations of solutions
- calculate rates of fluid administration for intravenous administration
- determine how to calculate flow and drip rates for intravenous solutions and understand the mathematics required to operate fluid administration sets and intravenous pumps
- define constant rate infusion and be able to determine rates of drug infusion as well as the amount of drug to add to fluids
- determine the final concentration in a dilution
- perform the calculations required for both dilution series and serial dilutions
- calculate anaesthesia gas flow rates
- calculate nutritional requirements
- perform calculations required for radiology
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based upon some of the following:
| Weekly tests | 0-40% |
| Term tests | 20-70% |
| Assignments | 0-5% |
| Attendance | 0-5% |
| Class participation | 0-5% |
| Final examination | 30% |
Textbook will vary by semester, see College Bookstore for current textbook. Example:
Lake and Green, Essential Calculations for Veterinary Nurses and Technicians, current edition, Elsevier.
Admission to program