Understanding Pharmacy Calculations

Preface

Introduction

Things You'll Use Every Day

Measurement System

Converting between Measurement Systems

Thermometry

Setting Up Calculations

Abbreviations Used on Prescriptions

Interpreting the Directions

Composing the Label Instructions

Other Abbreviations You Will See in Practice

Practice

Answers

Understanding Expressions of Drug Amounts

•Units
•Parts
•Concentration
•Percent Ionization
•Recognizing Acids and Bases
•Practice
•Answers

Calculations Used When Compounding Medications

•Common Words Used in the IV Room
•Osmolarity
•Isotonicity
•Diluting and Concentrating
•The Algebraic Method
•The Alligation Method
•Aliquot Measurement Calculations
•Buffer Systems
•Going Further: More about Your Body's Buffer System
•Practice
•Answers

Calculations to Determine Patient-Specific Doses

•"The Right Dose"
•Dosing
•Body Weight Considerations
•Body Surface Area
•Infusion Rate Dosing Calculations
•Easing Patients into and out of Doses: Tapering and Desensitization
•Pharmacokinetic Dosing Calculations

Beyond Algebra

•Practice
•Answers

Parenteral Nutrition Calculations

•Components of a TPN
•Two Ways to Mix TPNs
•TPN Calculations
•Mixing TPNs Using the Pump Method
•Mixing TPNs Using the Preset Volume Method (Traditional)
•TPN Worksheet
•Practice
•Answers

Practice Practice Practice

•Alpha Practice/Answers
•Beta Practice/Answers
•Gamma Practice/Answers
•Delta Practice/Answers
•Epsilon Practice/Answers
•Zeta Practice/Answers
•Theta Practice/Answers
•Eta Practice/Answers
•Iota Practice/Answers
•Kappa Practice/Answers

"This book may help to change the conception that pharmaceutical calculations are difficult. The book is reasonably prices, and I would recommend Understanding Pharmacy Calculations to students for a beneficial learning experience."