Are you feeling nervous about studying for the NCLEX? Are you worried that your math skills might not be up to snuff? If so, don’t worry- there are no math questions on the NCLEX! While that relieves one set of stress and anxiety, it can also give a false sense of security.
Before you get too complacent with your math knowledge, read on to find out why having no math questions isn’t a good or bad indicator when preparing for this important exam.
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NCLEX Math Questions Bad Sign
Are you dreading the thought of math questions on the NCLEX? Don’t worry; passing the exam without encountering math questions is possible.
The questions you receive on the NCLEX are formulated based on your abilities and performance level.
Math questions are not an accurate measure of your performance, so whether you encounter them should not determine your success.
With dedication and hard work, you can pass the NCLEX and become a registered nurse, even if you never had to solve a math problem during the exam.
Is There Math On the NCLEX?
If you’re considering a career in nursing, you may be curious about the amount of math you’ll need to know. The good news is that most nursing positions do not require advanced mathematical skills.
However, almost all nursing programs require at least one college-level math class, usually algebra. Some may even require an introductory statistics course. When researching potential schools for nursing, make sure to check out their requirements for math courses.
Even if math isn’t your strong suit, don’t let it stop you from pursuing a fulfilling nursing path. With effort and dedication, you can master the necessary knowledge and move towards beginning your rewarding profession within the healthcare field.
Example of Math Questions You May Face In The NCLEX Exams
Desired over Have Examples Practice Problems Quiz
1. The healthcare provider orders a patient to take 1500 mg PO BID. You’re supplied with 1000 mg per tablet. How many tablets will you administer per dose?
A. 1 tablet/dose
B. 2 tablets/dose
C. 1.5 tablets/dose
D. 4 tablets/dose
Insulin Drip Infusion Practice Calculations Quiz
Q: The physician’s order says, “Infuse Regular Insulin at 6 units/hr”. You’re supplied with an IV bag of the prescribed medication that reads “125 units per 250 mL”. What will you set the infusion pump at (mL/hr) so your patient will receive 6 units/hr?(Required)
A. 12 mL/hr
B. 6 mL/hr
C. 42 mL/hr
D. 21 mL/hr
Hour Clock Practice Nursing Quiz (Military Time)
The nurse starts IV fluids at 1730. What is the time when using the AM and PM clocks?
A. 7:30 PM
B. 5:30 AM
C. 7:30 AM
D. 5:30 PM
Body Surface Area Calculations Nursing Questions
This quiz will test your knowledge of pediatric nursing body surface area (BSA) dosage calculations.
Your patient weighs 180 lbs. and is 6 feet 2 inches. What is the patient’s body surface area (BSA)?*
A. 2.06 m²
B. 4.25 m²
C. 1.05 m²
D. 6.72 m²
Q: How much 50 Degrees Celsius is in Fahrenheit?
A. 122°F
B. 100°F
C. 68°F
D. 150°F
Answer: A – 122°F (50°C = 122°F)
Using Math in the Real Nursing World
Once you have completed the NCLEX and are a registered nurse, it is time to begin searching for a nursing job. Although you will use math daily, no matter which specialty you choose, some roles require more math skills than others. If mathematics is your thing, consider becoming a critical care nurse, nurse administrator, or NICU nurse.
Critical Care Nurse
This field of nursing requires quick-thinking and reliable nurses due to the high-pressure nature of the job. They must closely monitor their critically ill patients who face life-threatening issues and assess their condition; treat any wounds; manage medical equipment; and administer fluids/medications. The primary duty here is calculating accurate dosages for medicines based on weight.
Additionally, these nurses must convert measurements based on the metric system. Drug titration (adjusting dosages based on changing factors such as glucose levels) is also required in some cases.
Nurse Administrator
Consider becoming a nurse administrator if a managerial role appeals to you more than hands-on care. In this position, you must ensure successful communication between staff; conduct team-building exercises; manage budgets and schedules; control costs; and report financial information. Again, math is essential in budgeting and accounting for a successful medical institution or clinic.
NICU Nurse
Neonatal ICU tasks involve plenty of mathematics too! NICU nurses are responsible for monitoring the condition of infant patients, recording changes, and administering medicine.
Because some babies may not weigh more than a pound, dosages must be calculated accurately. NICU nurses must also monitor how much breast milk/formula is consumed, the amount of medication given, and how much fluid is output.
Hence, since the dosage will vary depending on the weight of each baby, nursing math expertise here is necessary.
Final Thoughts
Nursing mathematics is a valuable tool that can be used to make decisions about patient care and ensure successful outcomes. Math skills are essential for accurate dosing calculations and budgeting responsibilities, so nurses must stay current with the latest field trends. Whether you choose an administrative job or prefer to work with patients, having strong math skills can help you excel in any nursing career.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.