Calculating Medication Amount

What is the first step in calculating medication amounts as a pharmacy technician?

• Review the prescription carefully.

• Convert units if necessary.

• Determine the desired dose.

• Check the concentration.

Answer explanation

The first step in calculating medication amounts is to review the prescription carefully. This ensures that you understand the patient's needs and the specific details before proceeding with calculations.

When should you convert units in medication calculation?

• When the prescription is in a different unit of measurement.

• When the desired dose is unclear.

• When the concentration is unknown.

• When the medication form is a tablet.

Answer explanation

You should convert units in medication calculation when the prescription is in a different unit of measurement to ensure accurate dosing. This is crucial for patient safety and effective treatment.

Tags

CCSS.5.MD.A.1

What is the purpose of dimensional analysis in medication calculation?

• To set up conversion factors to cancel out units.

• To determine the desired dose.

• To check the concentration.

• To document the calculation process.

Answer explanation

Dimensional analysis is used in medication calculation to set up conversion factors that cancel out units, ensuring accurate dosage and unit consistency throughout the calculation process.

Tags

CCSS.6.RP.A.3D

What formula is used to calculate medication amounts?

• Amount Needed = Desired Dose / Concentration

• Amount Needed = Concentration / Desired Dose

• Amount Needed = Desired Dose + Concentration

• Amount Needed = Desired Dose - Concentration

Answer explanation

The correct formula to calculate medication amounts is Amount Needed = Desired Dose / Concentration. This formula allows you to determine how much of a medication is required based on the desired dose and its concentration.

Tags

CCSS.6.RP.A.3B

Why is it important to double-check your medication calculations?

• To ensure accuracy and patient safety.

• To save time in the preparation process.

• To avoid using dimensional analysis.

• To simplify the documentation process.

Answer explanation

Double-checking medication calculations is crucial to ensure accuracy and patient safety. Errors in dosage can lead to serious health risks, making it essential to verify calculations before administration.

Tags

CCSS.7.RP.A.3

What should you do if you encounter uncertainties in the prescription or calculation process?

• Ignore the discrepancies

• Seek clarification from a pharmacist or healthcare provider

• Make assumptions and proceed

• Consult a friend

Answer explanation

If you encounter uncertainties in the prescription or calculation process, the best course of action is to seek clarification from a pharmacist or healthcare provider. This ensures safety and accuracy.

Why is it important to stay updated on medication dosing guidelines?

• To ensure safe and effective delivery of pharmaceutical care

• To impress colleagues

• To avoid using references

• To reduce workload

Answer explanation

Staying updated on medication dosing guidelines is crucial to ensure safe and effective delivery of pharmaceutical care, minimizing the risk of errors and enhancing patient safety.

What type of references should be used for medication calculations?

• Unverified online sources

• Reliable and approved references

• Personal notes

• Outdated textbooks

Answer explanation

Reliable and approved references are essential for medication calculations to ensure accuracy and safety. Unverified sources, personal notes, and outdated materials may lead to errors in dosage and patient care.

The physician ordered Digoxin 125 mcg. The supply available is 0.25 mg per tablet.

How many tablets will you administer to your patient?

• 0.5 tablets

• 2 tablets

• 1 tablet

• 500 tablets

Answer explanation

To convert 125 mcg to mg, divide by 1000, resulting in 0.125 mg. Since each tablet is 0.25 mg, administering 0.125 mg requires 0.5 tablets (0.125 mg ÷ 0.25 mg/tablet = 0.5 tablets).

Tags

CCSS.6.RP.A.3D

Cefepime is ordered 60 mg po daily x 10 days

Available: Cefepime 100 mg/5 mL

What volume of medication would be required for a single daily dose?

• 1.25ml

• 3 ml

• 8.3 ml

• 1200ml

Answer explanation

To find the volume for a 60 mg dose, use the concentration: 100 mg/5 mL. Set up a proportion: (100 mg / 5 mL) = (60 mg / x mL). Solving for x gives 3 mL, which is the correct answer.

Tags

CCSS.6.RP.A.3B