Accuracy and precision in the calculation of doses, dosages, and rates of infusion of intravenous solutions are often based on percents, ratios, and proportions.

The exercises for this CheckPoint provide opportunities to perform various mathematical functions pharmacy technicians must master

Resources: Ch. 2 & 3 of Pharmaceutical Calculations for Pharmacy Technicians: A Worktext and Equation Editor

Read the following scenario: Assume the role of a pharmacy technician. A pharmacist gives you a physician’s order sheet, a prescription, and asks you to prepare a 2% solution of sodium chloride (NaCl).

You check the stock in the pharmacy but discover you have only a 3% solution of NaCl. Hint: 2g NaCl:100mL of solution::3g NaCL:x mL of 3% solution.

Show all your calculations in a Microsoft® Word document, using Equation Editor. Complete the following exercises.

Refer to p. 22 for worked examples.

1. Solve the equation for x to determine how many mL of 3% solution you need.

2. Convert 3% to a decimal.

3. Convert 2% to a fraction.

4. Percents are often used to show the strength of solutions. Which solution is stronger, the 2% or the 3%?

5. What does 3% of sodium chloride mean?

6. Referring to the proportion regarding NaCl in the scenario, show the product of the means equals the product of the extremes.

7. Convert 12% to a fraction.

8. What percent of 15 ounces is 5 ounces?

9. Convert 1/5 to a percent.

10. Convert 33% to a decimal.

Complete the following exercises:

1. Critical Thinking, p. 25: Problem 32. Explain whether or not 20:25 = 4:5 is a true portion.

Refer to Example 2 on p. 22.3. Stop and Review, p. 22: Problems 1a, 1c, 1f, 1h, and 1l

Post your work and answers to all problems as an attachment.