Recording-2025-02-07T13:25:10.112Z
Medication Discrepancies
Discussion about discrepancies in medication dosages and timelines.
Example: discrepancy between Laura's ten-day dosage and an eleven-day calculation due to initial and subsequent doses.
Clarifications on dosage calculations based on treatment protocols.
Dosage Calculation Methods
Starting dosage: 450 mg transitioning to 150 mg PID (per day).
Importance of accurately counting doses and calculating total days of medication needed.
Key terms: "stat" doses and loading doses which bring drug levels to an effective concentration quicker.
Understanding Dosage Forms
Liquid vs. solid medications: transitioning from solid forms to liquid oral medications through reconstitution.
Importance of adhering to instructions for liquid dosing, including the significant variability in household measuring devices.
Liquid Measurement Techniques in Pharmacy
Use of precision tools like measuring cylinders for accurate liquid measurements.
Differences between using larger vs. smaller cylinders based on prescribed doses.
Techniques for measuring accurately based on the meniscus—important for determining the correct volume.
Reconstitution of Liquid Medications
Medications shipped as powders for stability; reconstitution changes their longevity.
Use of distilled water for reconstitution, emphasizing the necessity of following specific instructions to achieve proper consistency of the solution.
Procedures for shaking and measuring powders with liquids effectively.
Stability and Expiration of Reconstituted Medications
Importance of tracking the date of reconstitution for drug efficacy and disposal guidelines—most suspensions should be discarded after 10-14 days.
Labeling requirements to ensure proper patient understanding of medication stability post-reconstitution.
Dispensing Considerations
Discussing common types of oral liquid medications and their uses for children and elderly patients who may have difficulty with solid forms.
Awareness of pharmacy dispensing protocols and the business side of medication sales—noting that patients pay for the entire bottle even if not used.
Common Forms of Liquid Medications
Overview of different liquid forms:
Suspensions: require reconstitution and settle over time.
Elixirs: contain alcohol to mask taste, do not require reconstitution.
Syrups: usually sweet and easy to administer, also do not need reconstitution.
Measuring Devices
Understanding various measuring devices:
Medicine cups: calibrated in milliliters and teaspoons.
Oral syringes: for precise dosing especially for small children.
Droppers: used for very small quantities.
Instruction on maintaining cleanliness and separation of devices between different patients.
Calculation of Required Doses
The significance of using the correct formula (desired/available x quantity) for determining accurate dosages and dispensing amounts.
Emphasis on rounding rules for liquid doses, including the procedure for pediatric dosages under 1 milliliter.
Conclusion and Homework Assignments
Reminder of upcoming tests, group activities, and the importance of reviewing dosage calculations and liquid measurements.
Assignment to interpret a hypothetical prescription considering the various aspects discussed throughout the lesson.