PHARMACOLOGY CLEAR AND SIMPLE: A
GUIDE TO DRUG CLASSIFFICATIONS AND
DOSAGE CALCULATIONS 3 EDITION Cynthia
RD
J. Watkins
Cynthia J. Watkins, RN, MSN, CPN
Pediatric Intensive Care Staff Nurse
Halifax Health
Daytona Beach, Florida
,F. A. Davis Company
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Philadelphia, PA 19103
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As new scientific information becomes available through basic and clinical research, recommended
treatments and drug therapies undergo changes. The author(s) and publisher have done everything
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publication. The authors, editors, and publisher are not responsible for errors or omissions or for con -
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the contents of the book. Any practice described in this book should be applied by the reader in
accordance with professional standards of care used in regard to the unique circumstances that may
apply in each situation. The reader is advised always to check product information (package inserts)
for changes and new information regarding dose and contraindications before administering any drug.
Caution is especially urged when using new or infrequently ordered drugs.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Watkins, Cynthia J., author.
Title: Pharmacology clear & simple : a guide to drug classifications and
dosage calculations / Cynthia J. Watkins.
Other titles: Pharmacology clear and simple
Description: Third edition. | Philadelphia, PA : F.A. Davis Company, [2018] |
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2018006898 (print) | LCCN 2018007839 (ebook) | ISBN
9780803677319 (epub) | ISBN 9780803666528 (pbk. : alk. paper)
Subjects: | MESH: Pharmaceutical Preparations—administration & dosage | Drug
Dosage Calculations | Drug Administration Routes | Pharmaceutical
Preparations—classification | Medication Errors—prevention & control |
Problems and Exercises
Classification: LCC RM300 (ebook) | LCC RM300 (print) | NLM QV 18.2 | DDC
615/.1—dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018006898
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, I would like to dedicate this textbook
to the love of my life, Jeffrey Watkins,
who continues to be incredibly supportive of my venture
into the realm of being an author.
, 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 meas-
urements 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 Admin-
istration 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.
FE AT URES
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.
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