PHR 183 - Pharmacy Calculations and Compounding w/lab

1. Perform mathematical calculations frequently needed in a pharmacy technician’s work.
   1. Explain the use of Roman numerals, Arabic numbers, fractions, decimals, and apothecary symbols.
   2. Convert weights and measures, and direct rations and proportions.
   3. Reduce and enlarge formulas.
   4. Solve problems involving specific gravity, percent strength, weight-in-volume, weight-in-weight, and volume-in-volume.
   5. Perform ratio strength calculations for pharmaceutical preparations.
   6. Perform dilution and concentration calculations, including using the alligation method.
   7. Use milliequivalents to solve pharmaceutical calculations.
   8. Determine the correct volume to be added to compounded products requiring overfill.
2. Define and explain the key elements of sterile compounding practices set forth by USP 797 Pharmaceutical Compounding Sterile Preparations.
   1. Summarize the general guidelines of USP 797.
   2. List appropriate steps for cleaning a hood.
   3. Explain correct hand washing and garbing techniques.
3. Obtain the correct ingredients for sterile products requiring compounding.
   1. Define the term “compounding” and explain why some medications require compounding.
   2. Define the terms “sterile” and “nonsterile” as they relate to pharmacy and explain why some medications must be sterile.
   3. Maintain the sterility of materials collected for compounding a sterile product using proper procedures.
4. Determine the correct amounts of ingredients for a compounded product.
   1. Use Roman numerals, Arabic numbers, fractions, apothecary symbols, and decimals to perform pharmaceutical calculations.
   2. Solve mathematical problems that involve conversion of weights and measures, direct ratios and proportions, reducing and enlarging formulas, specific gravity, percent strength, weight-in-volume, weight-in-weight, volume-in-volume, ratio strength, dilution and concentration, the alligation method and milliequivalents.
   3. Calculate the correct volume added to compounded products that require an overfill.
5. Compound sterile products using appropriate techniques, equipment, and devices.
   1. State Iowa’s regulations regarding technician compounding of sterile products.
   2. Discuss reasons for each step of aseptic technique.
   3. Compare therapeutic, pharmaceutical, and chemical incompatibility.
   4. Summarize how the effects of incompatibilities can be overcome when compounding sterile products.
   5. Explain uses of horizontal and vertical laminar flow hoods.
   6. Demonstrate the proper use of equipment and devices used in compounding sterile products.
6. Compound nonsterile products using appropriate technique.
   1. State Iowa’s regulations regarding technician compounding of nonsterile products.
   2. Discuss the reasons for the steps of nonsterile technique.
   3. Summarize how the effects of incompatibilities can be overcome when compounding nonsterile products.
7. Compound cytotoxic and other hazardous medication products using appropriate technique.
   1. State Iowa’s regulations regarding technician compounding of cytotoxic and other hazardous medication products.
   2. Describe risks involved in the preparation and handling of cytotoxic and other hazardous medication products.
   3. Discuss the reasons for the steps in cytotoxic or other hazardous medication product preparation technique.
8. Evaluate safety policies and procedures when disposing of hazardous and nonhazardous wastes.
   1. Classify hazardous and nonhazardous wastes for disposal.
   2. Compare standard safety policies and procedures when disposing of hazardous and nonhazardous wastes.
9. Assess policies and procedures for sanitation management, hazardous waste handling (e.g., needles), and infection control (e.g., protective clothing).
   1. Explain the need for sanitation management in the pharmacy setting.
   2. Define “hazardous waste” and “infection control”.
   3. Summarize OSHA regulations regarding pharmacy practice, including regulations for blood-borne pathogens.
   4. Discuss state regulations regarding the handling of hazardous waste and infection control.
   5. Describe institutional policies and procedures regarding hazardous waste management and infection control.
10. Demonstrate skill in cleaning up a cytotoxic or other hazardous medication product spill using the accepted procedure.
    1. Explain processes for cleaning up a cytotoxic or other hazardous medication product spill.
    2. Determine avoidable causes for spills.