I'm taking a break from homework. I've spent the last 5 hours working on assignments and I thought I'd take a break before I started on the readings for the chapters on the muscular and nervous system. The truth of the matter is I'm finding it VERY difficult to be responsible and do my homework, since I have a box of books from Amazon that have been calling my name. I got a little extra money and had been compiling a list of books I've been wanting to read, so the little extra money went promptly into the Amazon coffers and I now have 7 books to read! The thought of books makes me giddy! I started on the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks last night...Henrietta Lacks was a black woman who died of cervical cancer when she was 31 years old in 1951, but before she died, they took a sample of her cancer cells (without her knowing) and unlike every other cell tissue sample hers didn't die, not only did they NOT die, but they started to replicate at a staggering rate. As a result, scientists have been using her cells for research since the '50s, developing polio vaccines and better understanding how the cells work and getting closer to cures for cancer. The only problem, the Lacks family never knew that their mother's cells were being used by thousands of scientists all over the world AND that companies had been selling their mother's cells and had made BILLIONS of dollars, with NONE of that money ever making it back to the Lackses. The story is fascinating and heartbreaking all at the same time.
So as part of my homework this week, I get to test my own urine. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am. No. Seriously. I really am. I've been waiting patiently since the start of the semester to be able to do it and now I can. I mean, who doesn't want to know whether or not they have urobilinogen in their urine?!!
Speaking of urine, I was at the store buying alcohol swabs and came upon a home marijuana testing kit. So I guess that means when Gavin gets older and he starts listening to Bob Marley and going through bags and bags of Doritos I can use this at-home marijuana testing kit to check his pee for vitamins T, H & C!
Annette, I'm sorry about Grayson and his finger. It really is a marvel that any of us survive childhood!
So, I thought it would be interesting to institute a new feature to my blog, entitled, Amanda's Calculation Corner!! This way you call all get an up-close example of the kinds of things I'm learning in my drug dosage and calculations class. So here is today's calculation from my most recent chapter on IV therapy:
The order is to infuse 800 mL over 3.5 hours beginning at 9pm. At 10:30pm the IV infiltrated with 525 mL remaining in the bag. The IV was restarted at 11pm. Calculate the gtt/min rate using a 10 gtt/mL set to complete the infusion on time.
I'll post the answer in my next blog!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
The square root of Height times weight divided by 3131
Annette, I've sat down numerous times with the intention of writing a new blog and just haven't felt as thought I've had anything new or exciting to report, but seeing how you're holding my email hostage, I've collected a few tidbits to share with all of you.
1. My father took my son to see Monster Jam. Yep. An afternoon spent watching Monster trucks compete against each other. I've been told that there were a few "oh, yeahs" and some fist pumps involved. He came home with a hat that resembled the Monster Jam truck Gravedigger. I'll have to learn how to post pictures because the hat is kinda awesome!
2. I am officially half way through my Drug Dosage & Calculations class. We learned in class last week how to determine a dosage based on someone's body weight and body surface area! As nerdy as it sounds, I'm REALLY enjoying the class and get excited to learn new stuff every week. I'm also 1/3 of the way through my physiology class and I have to say I think it's my favorite of all the "body" classes I've had to take. It's amazing to finally know all the mysteries of the body and why your legs burn when you run too long or why your nose runs when it's cold outside.
3. I'm writing this blog from my newly acquired laptop! I know! I just joined the 21st century. After doing a little research and talking with Flood, I ended up buying a MacBook. I've named him Benny and use it to do homework and listen to my physiology lectures. I'm still getting acquainted with all the quirks, but so far I'm liking it a lot.
4. Lillith, take heart, Gavin was not a napper AT ALL. We used to call him "Edison baby" because the story goes that Thomas Edison would only sleep 4 hours a night because he had other things he'd rather be doing, so it sounds to me as though you have yourself an Edison Baby!! I know exactly what it feels like to be so tired you want to cry, but hang in there, it gets easier...
5. I've been watching the Olympics. I have to say that it makes me unbelievably nervous for the competitors. I mean, their whole lives have been about training for this moment and in just a second all that hard work can be destroyed....it's like the anxiety I feel for Cash Cab, but 900 times worse, but I still watch it....and, I'd really like to talk to the designer of the Japanese women's speed skating uniform....a gold lame unitard? Really? You really think that's the most flattering and attractive look?
Ok, Annette, did I earn my email now?
1. My father took my son to see Monster Jam. Yep. An afternoon spent watching Monster trucks compete against each other. I've been told that there were a few "oh, yeahs" and some fist pumps involved. He came home with a hat that resembled the Monster Jam truck Gravedigger. I'll have to learn how to post pictures because the hat is kinda awesome!
2. I am officially half way through my Drug Dosage & Calculations class. We learned in class last week how to determine a dosage based on someone's body weight and body surface area! As nerdy as it sounds, I'm REALLY enjoying the class and get excited to learn new stuff every week. I'm also 1/3 of the way through my physiology class and I have to say I think it's my favorite of all the "body" classes I've had to take. It's amazing to finally know all the mysteries of the body and why your legs burn when you run too long or why your nose runs when it's cold outside.
3. I'm writing this blog from my newly acquired laptop! I know! I just joined the 21st century. After doing a little research and talking with Flood, I ended up buying a MacBook. I've named him Benny and use it to do homework and listen to my physiology lectures. I'm still getting acquainted with all the quirks, but so far I'm liking it a lot.
4. Lillith, take heart, Gavin was not a napper AT ALL. We used to call him "Edison baby" because the story goes that Thomas Edison would only sleep 4 hours a night because he had other things he'd rather be doing, so it sounds to me as though you have yourself an Edison Baby!! I know exactly what it feels like to be so tired you want to cry, but hang in there, it gets easier...
5. I've been watching the Olympics. I have to say that it makes me unbelievably nervous for the competitors. I mean, their whole lives have been about training for this moment and in just a second all that hard work can be destroyed....it's like the anxiety I feel for Cash Cab, but 900 times worse, but I still watch it....and, I'd really like to talk to the designer of the Japanese women's speed skating uniform....a gold lame unitard? Really? You really think that's the most flattering and attractive look?
Ok, Annette, did I earn my email now?
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