Real-Life Math
Dialysis technicians perform math on the job nearly every day. Most
technicians also have access to calculators and even specialized computer
programs that require the technician to plug in information.
Still,
being able to do the math is important. Most training programs require technicians
to memorize important formulas and calculate basic information.
This
morning, you decide to perform two of these mathematical functions on your
own, just to keep your skills sharp.
First, you need to know the mean
arterial pressure (MAP) of your patient. You will set the hemodialysis machine
at this level -- and it must be accurate. If you set it too low, the patient
will not get the full benefit of the dialysis.
Mean arterial
pressure = systolic pressure + diastolic pressure / 2
You
use the standard blood pressure cuff and get the following readings from your
patient:
Systolic pressure: 140
Diastolic pressure:
90
Now, you're ready to calculate the MAP.
The
second calculation will tell you how much creatinine -- an important chemical
-- you should add to the dialysis mixture. The formula dictates that for each
hour of dialysis, you must include 1.5 mg of creatinine per kilogram of body
weight. Your patient weighs 94 kilograms and requires three hours
of dialysis.
How much creatinine is needed in total?