Medical Math

Introduction

Mathematics is the universal language. It is used in every aspect of our lives from measuring to weighing to estimating and the list goes on and on. Have you ever miss estimated the amount of salt that is added to an entree? "Peew---too salty!" What about the amount of food your tummy could contain? "Oh, I'm stuffed!" How we use math as healthcare professionals requires acute assessment and accuracy. This module will review metric measurements, introduce conversions and tie it all together in the documentation process.

Essential Questions

What metric system unit is used to measure heat in the healthcare setting?
What metric unit is used to measure volume, weight, and length?
How are pounds converted to kilograms, inches to centimeters, and ounces to grams?
What types of classification systems are used to interpret healthcare results?
How is the time recorded in a 24-hour format?
Why use the 24-hour clock to record time?
Why is it important to document patient information accurately on a chart?

Module Minute

Patient assessment is documented in the clinical chart through the use of the metric system. When other systems are used the healthcare professional is responsible for converting the unit from Fahrenheit to Celsius, pounds to kilograms, inches to centimeters, and ounces to grams. Time is documented in the 24-hour format or what is commonly termed military time. Recording time in this manner improves communication and decreases errors associated with timeliness.

Keywords

Please review the following terms.

Weight - the heaviness of a person or thing.
Length - the measurement of something from end to end.
Volume - the amount of space within an enclosed container
Mass - a body of matter
Military Time - method of measuring time-based on the full twenty-four hours of the day, rather than dividing it into twelve hours.

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