Last updated 15:43, Wednesday, 19 November 2008

A SENIOR lecturer at the University of Cumbria has written a book to help nurses with their maths skills.

Kim Leong: Book will help nurses gain confidence in maths

Kim Leong, lecturer in nursing studies, has written the book ‘Medication Calculations – It's easier than you think’ to help nurses who struggle with mathematics.

Kim said: “The book provides exercises in basic mathematics, which have been applied to nursing practice.

“It is vital that nurses are able to calculate medicinal dosages accurately as the consequences of mistakes can be fatal.

“The book sets out simple concepts, shows where common mistakes can be made and then provides practice examples for the nurse to complete.”

It covers concepts such as converting metric weights and volumes, calculating dosages using a formula and working out the flow rate of a drug in an infusion fluid.

The book is currently only available at the University of Cumbria's Lancaster and Carlisle campus bookshops, but Kim hopes to soon have it available online through Amazon and selected high street stores.