PHMT A060N: Pharmacy Calculations

Course Outline of Record
Item	Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	12/04/2024
Top Code	122100 - Pharmacy Technology
Units	0 Total Units
Hours	45 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 18; Lab Hours 27)
Total Outside of Class Hours	0
Course Credit Status	Noncredit (N)
Material Fee	No
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	Yes; Repeat Limit 99
Open Entry/Open Exit	No
Grading Policy	P/NP/SP Non-Credit (D), Letter Non-Credit (L)

Course Description

This noncredit course is designed to enhance essential math skills for pharmacy technicians, focusing on accurate medication dosage calculations critical for safe and effective patient care. Students will learn various measurement systems, including metric, apothecary, and household units, and practice converting between them. The course emphasizes the importance of precision in medication preparation and administration. Key topics include dimensional analysis, dosage adjustments, dilution calculations, and the impact of medication administration routes. This course is part of the Certificate of Completion Pharmacy Technician. Not Transferable.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

Accurately calculate medication dosages and adjustments using various measurement systems and methods, ensuring safe and precise medication preparation.

Course Objectives

1. Define and explain the importance of accurate medication dosage calculations in pharmacy practice.
2. Identify different measurement systems used in pharmacy (metric, apothecary, household) and their units.
3. Explain the concept of dimensional analysis and its application in medication calculations.
4. Describe common medication dosage forms (tablets, capsules, liquids) and their associated calculations.
5. Understand the principles of medication administration routes (oral, intravenous, etc.) and their impact on dosage calculations.
6. Convert between different units of measurement within the metric, apothecary, and household systems.
7. Apply dimensional analysis to solve medication dosage problems for various medications and routes of administration.
8. Calculate medication dosages based on patient weight, body surface area (if applicable), and other relevant parameters.
9. Utilize appropriate formulas and conversion factors to perform accurate dilution calculations for liquid medications.
10. Demonstrate proficiency in calculating medication quantities based on prescribed dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment.
11. Develop a strong commitment to accuracy and attention to detail when performing medication calculations.

Lecture Content

Introduction to Pharmacy Calculations Importance of Accurate Calculations in Pharmacy The impact of medication errors on patient safety The role of pharmacy technicians in ensuring medication accuracy Review of Basic Math Operations Refreshing skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division Applying these operations to pharmacy calculations Understanding Measurement Systems Metric system Understanding units of measurement in the metric system (mg, g, mL, L) Converting between metric units using conversion factors The Apothecary System Introduction to the apothecary system (grains, ounces) Household Measurement Systems Understanding common household measurements (teaspoons, tablespoons) Converting between household units and metric units Other Common Measurement System: International units (U or IU): Common use for heparin and insulin Milliequivalents (mEq): Common use in Potassium Chloride The Concept of Dimensional Analysis Setting up and solving medication dosage problems using dimensional analysis Canceling out units to reach the desired unit Medication Dosage Calculations Calculations for Different Dosage Forms Calculating dosages for tablets, capsules, liquids, and other medication forms Utilizing appropriate formulas including dosage calculation, infusion rate, concentration, percentage calculation. Understanding and applying conversion factors to convert drugs from one system of measurements to others that help patients to understand. Explaining ratio /ratio proportio n and their role in dosage calculation including use of ratio conversion factors Understanding concept of allegations and its use to achieve desired concentrations. Applying sig codes and Roman numerals in prescription processing. Dosage Adjustments Calculating medication dosages based on patient weight, body surface area (if applicable) Understanding medication administration routes (oral, intravenous) and their impact on calculations Dilution Calculations and Reconstitution Dilution Principles Calculating dilution ratios and volumes for liquid medications Preparing dilutions using proper techniques Applying Calculations in Pharmacy Scenarios Interactive case studies to apply learned skills in realistic pharmacy settings

Lab Content

Demonstration and Hands-On Practice with Measurement Systems Practice identifying and converting between metric, apothecary, and household measurement systems using sample medications and conversion charts Convert prescribed dosages into alternate measurement systems Hands-on practice measuring liquid volumes using graduated cylinders, syringes, and droppers Dimensional Analysis and Dosage Calculation Practice Practice setting up medication dosage calculations using dimensional analysis Solve sample problems for oral, injectable, and topical medications using unit cancellation methods Calculate dosages based on mock patient data, including weight and body surface area Medication Preparation and Administration Calculations Measure and prepare tablet, capsule, and liquid dosages for mock prescriptions Calculate required doses based on prescription details and simulate medication preparation Dilution and Reconstitution Practice Perform dilution calculations for liquid medications to achieve desired concentrations Practice reconstituting powdered medications into liquid form according to instructions Evaluate accuracy in determining the final concentration and volume Applying Calculations in Pharmacy Scenarios Interactive Case Studies: Work through simulated pharmacy scenarios requiring multiple calculations, including conversions, dosages, and dilutions Skill Evaluation: Complete a mock prescription order accurately, including calculating dosages and documenting results Identifying and correcting errors: practice identifying common errors in sample prescriptions or calculations

Method(s) of Instruction

Enhanced NC Lect (NC1)
Enhanced NC Lab (NC2)

Instructional Techniques

Lecture and direct instruction Digital presentations Classroom discussions Individual and group projects and/or presentations Clinical simulations and demonstrations Oral pair and group work Instructor written and oral feedback Problem solving activities Interactive quizzes and games Case studies Reading assignments Videos

Reading Assignments

Students will spend approximately 1 hour per week reading from the assigned textbook and additional instructional material provided by the instructor.

Writing Assignments

Students will complete a dimensional analysis worksheet solving a series of pharmacy-related dosage problems using dimensional analysis. The worksheet will include problems requiring conversions between the metric, apothecary, and household systems, as well as dilution calculations for liquid medications.

Out-of-class Assignments

Students will research and create dose adjustment case studies based on patient-specific parameters such as weight and body surface area (BSA). Using the knowledge gained in class, students will create three case scenarios where medication dosages need to be adjusted. They will present their case studies, including the calculation steps, to the class for discussion.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Given a set of pharmacy calculations, check for the correctness and correct any errors.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Eligible Disciplines

Pharmacy technology: Any bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Stockton, S. J.. Stoklosa and Ansel's Pharmaceutical Calculations, 16th ed. LWW, 2021

Academic Catalogs