Glucose

Glucose is not normally found in urine but may be present in individuals with poorly controlled diabetes, as an early sign of diabetes, or in certain kidney diseases. When taking SGLT2 inhibitors, people with type 2 diabetes may have glucose in their urine.

Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a chemical produced by the liver. It is not normally found in the urine. Therefore, when it is found, it usually indicates a problem with the liver.

Ketones

Ketones are chemicals produced by the body when it breaks down fat for energy. This typically occurs when the body has depleted its sugar (glucose) stores, such as during fasting. Under normal circumstances, ketones are not detected in the urine. However, the presence of ketones in the urine of an individual with poorly controlled diabetes, especially type 1, may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, which requires immediate medical attention. Ketones may also be present in pregnant women or can be a sign of dehydration.

Specific Gravity

Specific Gravity assesses hydration levels. Low values may indicate diabetes insipidus, sickle cell nephropathy, or acute tubular necrosis. They can also be caused by glucose, urea, or alkaline urate, while high values may be due to significant protein or ketoacids.

Blood

Blood is not usually found in urine. It may be present if there is an infection or due to significant underlying diseases such as bladder or kidney cancer. In women, it may be due to contamination if menstruating at the time of providing the sample. Confirmation by sending the sample for a full laboratory test is usually necessary, as the dipstick test can show a false positive.

PH level

Urinary pH levels are handy in evaluating stones, infections, and renal tubular acidosis (RTA).

Protein

Protein is typically present in urine in small amounts, which are usually too minuscule to be detected by a urine dipstick test. However, larger amounts of protein may be present in the case of an infection, and it can also be a sign of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. Additionally, the presence of protein can be an early indicator of kidney disease and is used to assess the severity of the condition.

Urobilinogen

Small amounts of urobilinogen may be present in the urine, but large amounts indicate a potential issue with the liver or rapid red blood cell destruction.

Leukocyte esterase and nitrite

Both of these tests are used to check for the presence of infection. The leukocyte esterase test detects a reaction that occurs only when there are many white cells in the urine. White cells enter the urine when there is an infection.

Remember, a urine dipstick test is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. If necessary, always follow up with more tests.

Video 4

SafeMedicate. This fourth video focuses on IV/Infusion medications, which involve determining the correct amount to be infused via IV and drip calculations based on a prescribed dose and available medication stock.

Here, you will find links to the other video tutorials:

Video 1: How to Solve Safe Medicate Questions: Tablets and capsules volume calculations

Video 2: How to Solve Safe Medicate Questions: Liquid medication volume calculations

Video 3: How to Solve Safe Medicate Questions: Injection medication calculations

Video 4: How to Solve Safe Medicate Questions: IV / Infusions and drip calculations

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Video 3

The Essential Skills module covers a variety of basic nursing calculations, which are divided into four videos. This third video focuses on volume calculations, which involve determining the correct amount to be drawn in an injection based on a prescribed dose and available medication stock.

Here, you will find links to the other video tutorials:

Video 1: How to Solve Safe Medicate Questions: Tablets and capsules volume calculations

Video 2: How to Solve Safe Medicate Questions: Liquid medication volume calculations

Video 3: How to Solve Safe Medicate Questions: Injection medication calculations

Video 4: How to Solve Safe Medicate Questions: IV / Infusions and drip calculations

SafeMedicate is an online learning and assessment system that many Universities use for their drug calculation exams.

Safe-Medicate offers a practical approach to learning and practicing drug calculations. With a range of questions and techniques, and the ability to complete mock exams, students can feel prepared and ready for their actual exam.

Given that a 100% pass is often required, the significance of minimising errors in your exam cannot be overstated. Errors in drug calculations can have serious consequences in a clinical setting, making it even more crucial to master this skill.

These tutorials aim to examine a range of questions you will encounter and provide general tips on how to solve them while minimising errors. This will give you a clear sense of direction and purpose in your exam preparation.

Essential Skills

The Essential Skills module covers a variety of basic nursing calculations, which are divided into four videos. The first video focuses on volume calculations, which involve determining the correct number of tablets to administer based on a prescribed dose and available medication stock.

Here, you will find links to the other video tutorials:

Video 1: How to Solve Safe Medicate Questions: Tablets and capsules volume calculations

Video 2: How to Solve Safe Medicate Questions: Liquid medication volume calculations

Video 3: How to Solve Safe Medicate Questions: Injection medication calculations

Video 4: How to Solve Safe Medicate Questions: IV / Infusions and drip calculations

Here, you will find links to the other video tutorials:

Video 1: How to Solve Safe Medicate Questions: Tablets and capsules volume calculations

Video 2: How to Solve Safe Medicate Questions: Liquid medication volume calculations

Video 3: How to Solve Safe Medicate Questions: Injection medication calculations

Video 4: How to Solve Safe Medicate Questions: IV / Infusions and drip calculations