Albumin administration is complicated because of its different concentrations and indications. By the end of this unit, you will be equipped to answer a common clinical dilemma: which concentration to use and how fast to give it. What is Albumin & How it Works We have 34-54 grams of albumin per liter of blood inContinue reading “Albumin: What Concentration to Use and How to Administer”
Author Archives: pharmHERcology
How to Analyze Antimicrobial Culture & Sensitivity Reports
It sounds simple, you look at the antimicrobial culture and sensitivity report and if it is susceptible, you can use it! If you’ve been in practice for any amount of time you know that is both true and false. You must possess a core understanding to correctly interpret and apply antimicrobial C&S reports to patientContinue reading “How to Analyze Antimicrobial Culture & Sensitivity Reports”
How to Treat Neonatal Hypoglycemia
Our brains, especially that of a newborn, is dependent on glucose as the primary source of energy. Like most of their other bodily functions, glucose regulation is immature at birth. High glucose demand from rapid growth and high metabolic rates make newborns highly susceptible to neonatal hypoglycemia. Low birthweight babies, preterm babies and babies bornContinue reading “How to Treat Neonatal Hypoglycemia”
CRRT: What You Need to Know for Patient Care
Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is a lifesaving procedure that requires a high level of skill, well established procedures and a multidisciplinary approach for safe execution. Here are 6 things you need to know if you provide care to patients receiving CRRT. What is CRRT? CRRT is a continuous form of dialysis indicated for patientsContinue reading “CRRT: What You Need to Know for Patient Care”
Administering TPN: 4 Things You Need to Know
Whether you’re administering TPN (total parenteral nutrition) or a pharmacist compounding it you are going to ask or be asked about these 4 things at some point. How we dose TPN is dependent on lots of factors like the level of care (ICU versus medical), organ dysfunction and body composition to name a few. ButContinue reading “Administering TPN: 4 Things You Need to Know”
How to Land Your Recommendations to Medical Providers: Steal My Script!
Communication is essential for the success of any relationship including medical teams. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of knowing what to recommend but not enough on how to make those recommendations to the team. Let’s fix that and focus on making effective recommendations to improve team relations. Even with well-seasoned pharmacists, thereContinue reading “How to Land Your Recommendations to Medical Providers: Steal My Script!”
How to Dose Vancomycin: 3 Kinetic Values You Need to Know
…and what to do with them Confidence in dosing vancomycin comes from a solid understanding of vancomycin kinetics. It’s not as complicated as it seems. I will walk you through the 3 key kinetic parameters needed to dose vancomycin: We’re not going to go back to class. We know how to get these values byContinue reading “How to Dose Vancomycin: 3 Kinetic Values You Need to Know”
4 Proven Strategies to Avoid Mistakes with Pediatric Patients
Let me save you the heart ache of a medical error in a neonate or pediatric patient. Understanding how to prevent common pediatric medication errors is crucial in safeguarding our youngest patients. This isn’t a discussion of how to determine appropriate dosing in infants and pediatric patients. We have many reliable and established resources likeContinue reading “4 Proven Strategies to Avoid Mistakes with Pediatric Patients”
3 Ways to Maximize Your Study Sessions
Studying is like a sport. There should be demonstration of correct technique, lots of consistent repetition and game day. Yes, every one has different study styles but these 3 techniques can help just about anyone improve their study experience and get more out of their study time. Let me explain. For most, study skills areContinue reading “3 Ways to Maximize Your Study Sessions”
Insulin Resistance: Its Role in Infertility, DKA and Obesity
When there is insulin resistance the body begins an internal battle between acute survival and longevity. It is a long, subtle conflict that abruptly manifests itself as chronic conditions far beyond just hyperglycemia. Let me walk you through how we develop insulin resistance and 3 ways it has overwhelmed society via its predominant role isContinue reading “Insulin Resistance: Its Role in Infertility, DKA and Obesity”