Pharmacology Clear and Simple: A Guide to Drug Classifications and Dosage Calculations 3rd Edition

Book Preface

In my 32 years as a nurse, I have been involved with direct patient care as well as taught a variety of students in nursing, medical assisting, surgical technology, and respiratory therapy. I have also taught those who may not deliver direct patient care, such as students of psychology and clinical lab science.
There is always one constant challenge: to provide students with enough pharmacology knowledge so that they feel confident as they embark on their health profession careers but not so much that they are overwhelmed. For those students who will administer medication, pharmacology is critical; for others, it is a subject that will aid their understanding of the patient care relationship, although they may not be directly involved with the patient.

This edition of the book has been expanded in response to the requests of our reviewers. I’ve tried to build on the solid foundation of the second edition and to expand the coverage of drugs, keeping in mind always the suggestions we received from pharmacology faculty from around the nation. I hope you will be pleased with the results.

My goal for the third edition of this book is to continue to bring the most current information to pharmacology topics as well as continue to provide elemental concepts that will enable students to understand how medications work and how they are administered. These concepts include the health professionals’ role in the process. This edition is divided into four units:

Unit 1: Introduction to Pharmacology discusses the fundamentals of pharmacology, including history, patient safety and regulations, and prescription labels. Each topic lays the foundation for the work ahead.
Unit 2: Calculations begins with Chapter 6, Review of Mathematics, which begins with a basic review of fractions and decimals and progresses to more advanced mathematical calculations. This review provides many testing opportunities for students to assess their knowledge through the Check Up exercises throughout the chapter. Chapter 7, Measurement Systems, addresses the various measurements systems and shows students how to convert among the metric, household, and apothecary systems. Chapter 8, Dosage Calculations, ends this unit by showing students how to calculate dosages. In this chapter, students have many opportunities to practice dosage calculations using a variety of examples to increase their knowledge and confidence in administering medications.
Unit 3: Administration of Medications includes Chapters 9 and 10, Enteral Medications and Administration and Parenteral Medications and Administration, respectively, which provide step-by-step instructions through Procedure Boxes with supporting images.
Unit 4: Classifications of Drugs addresses all major drug classifications by body system. Although individual drugs are mentioned, each chapter primarily focuses on key attributes of that particular body system. This focus allows the student to understand how a particular set of drugs works and how individual drugs within that set function the same way.

FEATURES

The following features are included to further facilitate students in their learning and to help them better retain pharmacological content.
■ Check Up boxes have mathematical calculation exercises in Unit 2. Each Check Up appears following a math review section to test the student’s knowledge and understanding of basic math concepts.
■ Fast Tip boxes provide brief bits of useful information on various topics within the chapters.
■ A Closer Look boxes examine special topics in each chapter.
■ Drug Spotlight boxes highlight one or two drugs in each chapter and provide detailed information.
■ Critical Thinking exercises encourage students to think beyond the chapter and apply their new knowledge to real-life scenarios.
■ Master the Essentials tables cover indications, side effects, precautions, contraindications, interactions, and examples for each drug classification. They are perfect for study and review because all the drug classifications in the chapters are covered.
■ Chapter Review questions in multiple formats appear at the end of each chapter to test student comprehension. Internet Research activities encourage students to use the Internet to research and locate important information on specific drugs, drug safety, and how to educate and instruct patients to use various medications.

ANCILLARY CONTENT

■ Accompanying the text are online resources to help support both students and instructors. For the student, the eBook is available online at www.DavisPlus.com. For medical assisting educators and nursing educators, separate resources include test banks, instructor guides, teaching guides, and PowerPoint presentations. Medical assisting resources also include documentation exercises and a competencies checklist.
I hope this third edition of Pharmacology Clear & Simple meets all your teaching and learning needs.
Cynthia J. Watkins, RN, MSN, CPN