Pharmacy Calculations for Pharmacy Technicians: Solving Pharmacy Calculation Problems Without All the Silly Formulas

Bradley J. Wojcik, PharmD

2018-ж. янв. · Bradley J. Wojcik, Pharm D

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 Are you a pharmacy technician, or pharmacy technician student, who wants to learn a few simple methods of solving pharmacy calculations without a bunch of formulas?

Would you like to raise your hand in Pharmacy Calculations Class, after the instructor explains a complicated formula, and ask to approach the white board to show the class a much simpler method?

Do you want to go out on your externship and teach practicing pharmacy technicians how to preform pharmacy calculations?

Do you want to walk into your Pharmacy Calculations Class on the first day knowing that you can ace all the tests before the course begins?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, this book is for you.

The book’s first chapter covers the following auxiliary subjects, which are important to a well-rounded knowledge of pharmacy calculations.

·         Rounding Numbers

·         Roman Numerals

·         The Metric System

·         Scientific Notation

·         Significant Figures

·         Percent Error

·         The Apothecary/Avoirdupois/Household Systems

The second chapter will teach you that all the following types of calculations can be performed with one simple method. If you can convert 5 g to mg using this method, you can solve the most complicated IV flow rate problem.

·         Unit Conversions

·         Dosage Calculations

·         IV Flow Rate Calculations

·         Percent Calculations

·         Percent Strength Calculations

·         Ratio Strength Calculations

·         Quantity to Dispense Calculations

·         Milliequivalent Calculations

The third chapter covers concentrations and dilutions. While there is not one method of solving all these problems, you will quickly see that they all have common components. Topics covered are:

·         Preparing a Solution Using Two Different Strength Solutions

·         Preparing a Solution from a Stock Solution and a Diluent

·         Calculating the Percent Strength of a Mixture

·         Powder Volume Calculations

·         Serial Dilution

The book includes plenty of exercises to hone your skills along with a self-assessment exercise.

Finally, the book ends with a couple of “Pharmacy Calculation Puzzles”. These puzzles are for those students who want to say to themselves, “If I can solve these, I can solve any possible problem I will encounter.”

 

 

 

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I graduated from the University of the Pacific in 1975 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Prior to entering pharmacy school, I was a chemistry major, but also had an interest in mathematics and physics.

I am retired from pharmacy now, but during my pharmacy career I held positions in a variety of settings, including chain retail, independent pharmacy, clinic pharmacy, long term care, and hospital pharmacy.

The position which brought me the most joy and satisfaction was professor at Heald College in Roseville, California, from April 2011 through March 2013. It was here that I learned how to teach pharmacy calculations in a way which could be understood by students with very limited math background to students enrolled in calculus classes. It was not uncommon for my students to complete the entire class scoring 100% on every test, including the final exam.

Upon retiring from my teaching position, I posted a series of pharmacy calculation videos on   YouTube, which receive hundreds of views every day. I enjoy answering questions from my viewers and appreciate all the positive feedback.

 I enjoy skiing, golf, camping, and volunteering in Yosemite National Park in my leisure time.