Deep Dive into Pharmacology

Understanding pharmacology is critical for practical nurses. This includes:

• Drug classifications and mechanisms of action
• Dosage calculations
• Recognizing side effects and adverse reactions
• Monitoring for drug interactions

Safe Medication Practices

Always double-check medications, use two patient identifiers, and document everything accurately. Know the difference between therapeutic and toxic drug levels.

Dosage Calculations

You may be required to calculate dosages using formulas such as:

\[ \text{Dose to Give} = \frac{\text{Desired Dose}}{\text{Dose on Hand}} \times \text{Quantity} \]

Real-World Impact

Safe medication administration can prevent serious patient harm. Your understanding of pharmacology will be tested both on the exam and every day in clinical practice.