Introduction
Mastering PTCB Guide to Pharmacy Technician Certification
Learn essential pharmacy technician concepts and study strategies to ace the exam. Dive into key topics such as math, prescriptions, laws, abbreviations, dosage forms, and pharmacology. Understand the role of a pharmacy technician and how to effectively communicate with patients and healthcare professionals.
Math
One of the most frequently asked questions about pharmacy technician math is how to determine which type of math to use for each problem. There isn't a simple answer to this question. In reality, many problems can be solved using more than one method. Additionally, several pharmacy tech math problems require different types of math to be used together within the same problem. The key to feeling more confident with math is practice.
Important Math Conversions to Remember
Pharmacy Math focuses on four main components: Weight, Volume, Temperature, and Time.
To excel in preparation for the PTCB exam, it's important to have a solid mathematical foundation, enabling you to solve complex word problems and apply algebraic concepts.
Remember This!
Avoirdupois Measurement
- 1 grain (gr) = 64.8 mg (round to 65 mg)
Apothecary Measurements
- 1 pint = 473 mL
- 1 fluid ounce = 29.6 mL (round to 30 mL)
Common or Household Measurements
- 1 gallon (gal) = 4 quarts
- 1 quart (qt) = 2 pints
- 1 pint (pt) = 2 cups
- 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
- 1 fluid ounce (fl oz) = 2 tablespoonfuls = 30 mL
- 1 tablespoonful (T or tbsp) = 3 teaspoonfuls
- 1 teaspoonful (tsp) = 5 mL
- 1 pound (lb) = 16 ounces (oz)
Metric System Measurements
- 1 inch (in) = 2.54 centimeters (cm)
- 1 liter (L) = 1,000 milliliters (mL)
- 1 kilogram (kg) = 1,000 grams (g)
- 1 milligram (mg) = 1,000 micrograms (mcg)
Other Measurements
- 1 cubic centimeter (cc) = 1 milliliter (mL)
- 1 kg = 2.2 lb
- 1 lb = 454 g
- 1 oz = 28.35 g
- Insulin U-100 = 100 IU per mL
- Ophthalmic and otic drops are assumed to be 20 gtts per mL unless stated otherwise
- I or i = 1
- V or v = 5
- X or x = 10
- L or l = 50
- C or c = 100
- D or d = 500
- M or m = 1,000
The Metric system is the most commonly used in pharmacy and all that is used in Chemistry.
Pharmacy Temperature Conversions
Traditional way, as taught in Pharm Tech School: To convert Fahrenheit (F) to Celsius (C), use the formula: C = (F - 32) x (5/9) To convert Celsius (C) to Fahrenheit (F), use the formula: F = C x (9/5) + 32 Remember, Fahrenheit will always be greater than Celsius. An easy way to remember that water freezes at 0° Celsius / 32° Fahrenheit is to practice converting temperatures until you're comfortable doing it without notes.
Algebra Shortcut: For a quick conversion, you can use the formula: 5F = 9C + 160
Prescriptions
You should know!
"Rx" is an abbreviation for the Latin word "recipe," which means "take." It is commonly used in prescriptions to indicate the directions for taking medication.
Prescription Abbreviations
Remember This!
Prescription Abbreviations, also known as "Sig Codes," are coded instructions from healthcare professionals. They serve to communicate instructions, with Roman Numerals occasionally employed for numerical values. Memorizing these abbreviations is essential for PTCB exam preparation.
| Sig | Definition |
|---|---|
| q | EVERY |
| qH | EVERY HOUR |
| qAM | EVERY MORNING |
| qPM | EVERY EVENING |
| qHS | EVERY BEDTIME |
| qD | EVERY DAY |
| qOD | EVERY OTHER DAY |
| qWK | EVERY WEEK |
| qMO | EVERY MONTH |
| q__° | EVERY ___ HOURS |
| q__H | EVERY ___ HOURS |
| BID | TWICE A DAY |
| TID | THREE TIMES A DAY |
| QID | FOUR TIMES A DAY |
| X_D | TIMES ___ DAYS |
| TDS | 3 TIMES A DAY |
| C | WITH |
| AC | BEFORE A MEAL |
| PC | AFTER A MEAL |
| HS | AT BEDTIME |
| PRN | AS NEEDED |
| UD | AS DIRECTED |
| AA | OF EACH |
| QS | QUANTITY SUFFICIENT |
| GTT | DROP |
| TBSP | TABLESPOON |
| TSP | TEASPOON |
| OZ | OUNCE |
| GM | GRAM |
| KG | KILOGRAM |
| LB | POUND |
| ML | MILLILITER |
| L | LITER |
| G | GALLON |
| OD | RIGHT EYE |
| OS | LEFT EYE |
| OU | BOTH EYES |
| AD | RIGHT EAR |
| AS | LEFT EAR |
| AU | BOTH EARS |
| PO | BY MOUTH / ORAL |
| SL | SUB-LINGUAL |
| NG | NASO GASTRIC |
| BUCCAL | CHEEK/GUM |
You should know!
A helpful mnemonic for remembering eye and ear abbreviations:
- O for "Ocular" (eye) is round like an eye.
- A for "Auricular" (ear) sounds like audio, which you hear with your ears.
- S for "Sinister" (left) can be remembered by the phrase "southpaw," used for left-handed boxers.
- U for "Uterus" (both) resembles a face, which needs both eyes or ears.
Pharmacy law
Remember This!
Pharmacy Law is a critical component of the PTCB exam. It covers the legal aspects of pharmacy practice, including the role of the pharmacy technician, the pharmacist's responsibilities, and the laws governing the dispensing of medications. Understanding these laws is essential for passing the exam and working in a pharmacy setting.
Dosage forms
Remember This!
Dosage Forms are the physical form in which a drug is administered. They can be solid, liquid, or semi-solid, and can be administered orally, topically, or by injection. Understanding the different dosage forms is essential for pharmacy technicians, as they play a crucial role in dispensing medications and ensuring patient safety.
Pharmacology
Remember This!
Pharmacology is the study of how drugs interact with the body to produce a therapeutic effect. It covers the mechanisms of action, side effects, and contraindications of medications. Understanding pharmacology is essential for pharmacy technicians, as they play a crucial role in dispensing medications and educating patients about their use.
Role of a Pharmacy Technician
Remember This!
The role of a pharmacy technician is to assist the pharmacist in dispensing medications to patients. They are responsible for preparing prescriptions, maintaining inventory, and providing customer service. Pharmacy technicians must have a strong understanding of pharmacy law, dosage forms, and pharmacology to perform their duties effectively.
Communication
Remember This!
Effective communication is essential for pharmacy technicians. They must be able to communicate clearly with patients, healthcare professionals, and other members of the pharmacy team. Pharmacy technicians must be able to listen carefully, ask questions, and provide accurate information to ensure patient safety and satisfaction.