Alligation is a mathematical technique used to determine the quantity of 2 concentrations needed to create a desired concentration. The desired concentration will have a value somewhere in the range of the 2 starting concentrations. There are 2 ways to perform alligation calculations: This unit focuses on the use of intuitive equations. Take a lookContinue reading “Alligation Calculations Made Easy using Intuitive Equations”
Author Archives: pharmHERcology
How to Perform Alligation Calculations: Grid Method
When faced with complex dosing problems, understanding alligation calculations can be crucial for determining the right proportions of solutions in pharmaceutical preparations. Clinical scenario: The neonatologist orders D12% for a 2 day old neonate. What would you do? Chat GPT or Google? On a 2 day old? Even the most trusted clinical calculators have theContinue reading “How to Perform Alligation Calculations: Grid Method”
How to Calculate Milliequivalents in 3 Easy Steps
Why is calculation of milliequivalents so difficult? Dare I say, it is often taught in a way that does not foster understanding. If you are just memorizing equations and canceling out units to calculate milliequivalents we are going to change that. That strategy may be sufficient to pass an exam but isn’t very useful beyondContinue reading “How to Calculate Milliequivalents in 3 Easy Steps”
How to Read Valence in 4 Easy Steps
Reading valence on the periodic table is often relegated to soon forgotten introductory chemistry. However it is applicable to more complex concepts in pharmacology calculations like milliequivalent and osmolarity. Unfortunately concepts are usually taught in silos. Being able to integrate concepts is necessary for advanced application rather than short term memorization. The goal is toContinue reading “How to Read Valence in 4 Easy Steps”
Read an ABG in 4 Simple Steps
Arterial Blood Gas Terminology Arterial blood gas (ABGs) are drawn from arterial blood and measures the concentration of concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood among other things. Everything we will discuss is centered around the goal of maintaining a normal blood pH. The general term used for pathologies surrounding blood pH isContinue reading “Read an ABG in 4 Simple Steps”
Statistics: How to Calculate Odds Ratio in 4 Simple Steps
Odds ratio is measure of probability. It is typically explained together with risk ratio or relative risk. I am opting to address these separately so that we can understand them as distinct assessments of probability. The concept of statistical risk of more intuitive. Odds requires more orientation. The concept of odds is usually thrown inContinue reading “Statistics: How to Calculate Odds Ratio in 4 Simple Steps”
Statistics: How to Calculate Absolute and Relative Risk
You will often encounter ratio calculations in medical literature. It is a calculation of probability. Ratio calculations include absolute risk, absolute risk reduction, absolute risk increase, number needed to treat and relative risk. Risk calculations are especially useful in cohort studies and randomized controlled trials where selected patients are observed over period of time toContinue reading “Statistics: How to Calculate Absolute and Relative Risk”
Ratio Data: How to Analyze Statistics in Medical Literature
Statistics can seem daunting but they cannot be avoided in medical research. If we don’t understand statistical concepts, like ratio data, we are at the mercy of the author’s conclusions. While there are guidelines and peer review processes that help to maintain the integrity of how studies are conducted or reported, there are gaps. PerhapsContinue reading “Ratio Data: How to Analyze Statistics in Medical Literature”
Community Acquired Pneumonia: When to Admit to ICU and How to Treat
In this unit we will discuss the subset of patients with community acquired pneumonia who are at a higher risk for morbidity and mortality. Those patients require a high level of inpatient care and should be admitted directly to intensive care. In the unit Community Acquired Pneumonia: Inpatient Treatment we introduced the CURB 65 score.Continue reading “Community Acquired Pneumonia: When to Admit to ICU and How to Treat”
Community Acquired Pneumonia: When to Admit and How to Treat
In the unit Respiratory Tract Infections: Pneumonia we covered the assessment of a patient presenting with signs and symptoms of pneumonia including differentiating between the 3 main types. In the unit Community Acquired Pneumonia: Outpatient Treatment we talked about those patients who are stable enough to be treated at home. This unit focuses on theContinue reading “Community Acquired Pneumonia: When to Admit and How to Treat”