Understanding Pharmacy Calculations

by O'Sullivan, Teresa A.

• ISBN13: 9781582120331
• ISBN10: 1582120331
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-09-01
• Publisher: Amer Pharmacists Assn

Summary

Develops proficiency in working out calculations commonly encountered in pharmacy practice. This book is structured around a five-lesson design that provides numerous practical examples and problems, enabling instructors to extract complementary classroom material and student to use the book at their own pace in preparing for the national pharmacy licensure examination. Practice problems (with the answers provided) are included at the end of each lesson, and knowledge is tested with 100 practice problems and explanations at the end of the book. Written by a clinician in easy-to-understand and humorous language, this book illuminates the relevance of calculation to pharmacy practice.

Author Biography

Teresa A. O'Sullivan, PharmD, BCPS, is Director of Experiential Education at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Seattle

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Things You'll Use Every Day	1	(28)
Measurement Systems	1	(2)
Converting between Measurement Systems	3	(4)
Thermometry	7	(1)
Setting Up Calculations	8	(2)
Abbreviations Used on Prescriptions	10	(3)
Interpreting the Directions	13	(3)
Composing the Label Instructions	16	(1)
Other Abbreviations You Will See in Practice	17	(3)
Practice	20	(6)
Answers	26	(3)
Understanding Expressions of Drug Amounts	29	(38)
Units	29	(1)
Parts	30	(1)
Concentration	31	(12)
Percent Ionization	43	(9)
Recognizing Acids and Bases	52	(2)
Practice	54	(6)
Answers	60	(7)
Calculations Used When Compounding Medications	67	(46)
Common Words Used in the IV Room	68	(3)
Osmolarity	71	(2)
Isotonicity	73	(2)
Diluting and Concentrating	75	(1)
The Algebraic Method	76	(3)
The Alligation Method	79	(3)
Aliquot Measurement Calculations	82	(4)
Buffer Systems	86	(6)
Going Further: More about Your Body's Buffer System	92	(4)
Practice	96	(7)
Answers	103	(10)
Calculations to Determine Patient-Specific Doses (``The Right Dose'')	113	(30)
Dosing	113	(5)
Body Weight Considerations	118	(2)
Body Surface Area	120	(4)
Infusion Rate Dosing Calculations	124	(1)
Easing Patients into and out of Doses: Tapering and Desensitization	124	(3)
Pharmacokinetic Dosing Calculations	127	(4)
Beyond Algebra	131	(2)
Practice	133	(6)
Answers	139	(4)
Parenteral Nutrition Calculations	143	(96)
Components of a TPN	143	(5)
Two Ways to Mix TPNs	148	(1)
TPN Calculations	148	(1)
Mixing TPNs Using the Pump Method	149	(7)
Mixing TPNs Using the Preset Volume Method (Traditional)	156	(4)
TPN Worksheet	160	(21)
Practice	181	(29)
Answers	210	(29)
Practice Practice Practice	239	(2)
Alpha Practice/Answers	241	(7)
Beta Practice/Answers	248	(7)
Gamma Practice/Answers	255	(7)
Delta Practice/Answers	262	(7)
Epsilon Practice/Answers	269	(10)
Zeta Practice/Answers	276	(7)
Eta Practice/Answers	283	(7)
Theta Practice/Answers	290	(7)
Iota Practice/Answers	297	(7)
Kappa Practice/Answers	304