HOSA 2025 SLC__Advanced Pharmacy Flashcards
1
Q
automatic dispensing system
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A drug dispensing system that is computer or robot based.
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2
Q
blended dose system
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A drug distribution system that combines a unit-of-use medication package with a non-unit-dose drug distribution system.
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3
Q
central fill pharmacy
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A high-volume pharmacy that fills prescriptions for a number of individual pharmacies.
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4
Q
drug distribution system
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A safe and economical way of distributing a drug.
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5
Q
enteral nutrition
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Feedings given through a tube passed directly into the stomach or intestine.
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6
Q
home health care pharmacy
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The practice of pharmacy that provides medications, home health care products and services, and pharmaceutical care to patients at home.
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7
Q
hospice
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Originally a facility, usually within a hospital, intended to care for the terminally ill, in particular, by providing physical comfort to the patient and emotional support and counseling to the patient and the family; currently hospice care is also provided in home settings.
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8
Q
Internet pharmacy
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An established commercial website that enables a patient to obtain medications by way of the Internet.
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9
Q
long-term care
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A range of health and health-related support services provided over an extended period of time.
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10
Q
long-term care pharmacy organization
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An organization involving a licensed professional pharmacy or practice that provides medications and clinical services to long-term care facilities and their residents.
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11
Q
mail-order pharmacy
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A licensed pharmacy that uses the mail or other carriers (e.g., overnight carriers or parcel services) to deliver prescriptions to patients.
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12
Q
modified unit-dose system
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A drug distribution system that combines unit-dose medications blister packaged onto a multiple dose card.
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13
Q
modular cassette
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These cassettes contain either one-week or two-week medication strips that also contain reserve doses in a narrow plastic slide-tray design.
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14
Q
multiple medication package
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A medication package in which all medications for a specific medication time are packaged together.
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15
Q
nuclear pharmacy
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A pharmacy that is specially licensed to work with radioactive materials, previously called radiopharmacy.
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16
Q
parenteral nutrition
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A combination of amino acids, dextrose, fats, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and water administered intravenously.
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17
Q
radiopharmaceutical
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A drug that is or has been made to be radioactive.
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18
Q
reagent kit
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Vials containing particular compounds, usually in freeze-dried form used in nuclear pharmacy.
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19
Q
specialty mail-order pharmacy
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A mail-order pharmacy that concentrates on specific areas of the prescription drug market.
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20
Q
starter kit
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A group of medications provided to a hospice patient by the hospice pharmacy to provide a ‘start’ in treatment for most urgent problems that can develop during the last days or weeks of life.
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21
Q
total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
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An intravenous feeding that supplies all the nutrients necessary for life.
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22
Q
unit-dose system
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A drug distribution system that provides medication in its final unit of use form.
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23
Q
Pharmacy technicians
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Individuals trained to perform drug preparation and distribution tasks under the supervision of a pharmacist.
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24
Q
Long-term care
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A range of health and health-related support services aimed at assisting individuals with chronic conditions and promoting functional independence.
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25
Long-term care facilities
Institutions providing long-term care, including nursing homes and alternative-care sites.
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Nursing homes
Common types of long-term care facilities that include skilled-nursing facilities and intermediate-care facilities.
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Functional independence
The ability of a person to maintain the highest possible level of self-sufficiency in daily activities.
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Consultant pharmacist
A pharmacist who supervises comprehensive pharmaceutical services and ensures proper medication management in long-term care.
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Distributive pharmacist
A pharmacist responsible for ensuring that patients receive the correct medications ordered, primarily outside the long-term care facility.
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High-technology pharmacy services
Pharmacy services that cater to patients requiring advanced medical treatments and medications in long-term care settings.
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Long-term care pharmacy organization
A licensed professional pharmacy that provides medications and clinical services to long-term care facilities and their residents.
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Medication errors
Mistakes in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications that can lead to adverse effects on patients.
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Adverse drug reactions
Harmful or unintended responses to medications that patients may experience.
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Mortality rates
The frequency of deaths in a given population, often used as a measure of health outcomes in long-term care.
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Chronic disease conditions
Long-lasting health issues that require ongoing management and support, often seen in long-term care patients.
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Consultant pharmacist services
Pharmaceutical services provided by a consultant pharmacist that have been shown to reduce medication costs and improve patient outcomes.
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Board and care
Alternative-care sites that provide long-term care services in a more home-like environment.
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Functional independence
The ability of individuals to perform daily activities without assistance, which is a primary goal of long-term care.
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Length of hospitalization
The duration of a patient's stay in a hospital, which can be affected by effective medication management.
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Social and emotional problems
Issues that may arise in patients with chronic conditions, affecting their overall well-being and requiring specialized management.
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Pharmacy services availability
The requirement that pharmacy services must be accessible 24 hours a day in long-term care facilities.
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Patient medications
Medications prescribed to patients in long-term care facilities, often managed by contracted pharmacy services.
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Advances in medical sciences
Improvements in healthcare technology and practices that have contributed to increased life expectancy and changes in healthcare needs.
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Trauma recovery
The process of healing and rehabilitation following a significant physical injury, often requiring long-term care.
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Aging-related changes
Physical and mental changes that occur as individuals grow older, impacting their health and care needs.
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Consultant Pharmacist
Responsible for several different nursing homes or other facilities and may only visit each at certain weekly or monthly intervals.
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Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA '90)
Standards that require the pharmacist to assume greater responsibility and participation in long-term facility care.
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Drug Distribution System
The container or other type of packaging that holds a drug while it is transferred from a pharmacy to a patient.
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Unit-Dose System
Provides medications in their final 'unit-of-use' form that is safe for use in a long-term care facility.
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Single-Unit Package
In the unit-dose system, a single-unit package of a medication is dispensed just before it is needed by a patient.
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Thermal Paper/Foil Laminate
The side of the unit-dose package that features medication information printed upon it.
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Automated Machinery
Machines designed specifically to drop medication into an open package, seal the package, and print medication information onto the package.
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Modified Unit-Dose System
Features unit-doses that are 'blister' packaged on a multiple-dose card instead of being packaged individually.
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Blister Cards
Cards that can hold between 30 and 90 blisters, each containing a single medication in a modified unit-dose system.
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Punch Cards
Another name for blister cards used in a modified unit-dose system.
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Medication Information
Information printed on the thermal paper/foil laminate side of the unit-dose package that describes the contained medication.
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Medication Cart
A cart where packaged medications are placed by the pharmacy technician and then delivered to the patient care floor.
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Light and Moisture Resistance Standards
Requirements that drug distribution containers must meet according to the USP/NF to help reduce medication errors.
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Patient Care Committees
Committees in which pharmacists participate as part of their responsibilities in long-term facility care.
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Cost Containment
An aspect of pharmacy practice where pharmacists provide cost-effective solutions in patient care.
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Pharmacy Policies and Procedures
Guidelines developed by pharmacists to ensure safe and effective drug distribution and control.
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Medication Errors
Mistakes in the administration of medications that drug distribution systems aim to reduce.
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Long-Term Care Pharmacy
A pharmacy setting that focuses on the medication needs of patients in long-term care facilities.
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Nursing Homes
Facilities where consultant pharmacists may be responsible for medication management.
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Patient Care Floor
The area where medication carts are delivered for patient administration.
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Blended Unit-Dose System
A blended-dose system combines non-unit-dose drug distribution systems with a 'unit-of-use' medication packaging system.
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Multiple Medication Package
Also known as an 'adherence package' or a 'pouch package', it contains all medications that are to be administered to a single patient at a specific time during a given day.
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Automated Strip Packaging Machines
Machines used to create medication strips that contain patient's scheduled drug administrations within different specific packages.
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Modular Cassette
A system that offers the combined advantages of both blister-packaged or unit-dose medications along with hospital type drawer or cassette exchange systems.
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Reserve Doses
Medications contained in a narrow plastic slide-tray design within modular cassette medication strips.
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Automated Dispensing System
A system featuring a dispensing cabinet that stores and dispenses medications outside of the long-term care pharmacy, linked to the pharmacy's computer.
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Fingerprint Scans or Passwords
Methods used by nurses to gain access to medications within an automated dispensing system.
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Home Health Care Pharmacy
One of the fastest growing parts of the health care market, treating serious medical conditions outside the hospital setting, often at home.
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Continuum of Care
The ongoing process of providing health care services, of which home health care is an important part.
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State-Licensed Administrator
An individual who assumes responsibility for facility operations, including the quality of health care rendered to clients.
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Nursing Procedures
Procedures that require the professional skills of a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse.
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Medication Errors
Mistakes in the administration of medications that automated systems aim to reduce.
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Long-Term Care Settings
Environments where systems like blended unit-dose and automated dispensing systems are often used to minimize waste and simplify record keeping.
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Cost Factors in Home Health Care
The growth of home health care is related to lower costs, among other factors.
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Technology Improvement
A factor contributing to the growth of home health care, allowing for better patient management outside of hospitals.
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Managed Care
A factor influencing the increase in home health care services, focusing on cost-effective health care delivery.
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Physician Acceptance
A factor that has contributed to the growth of home health care services.
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Patient Preference
A factor that influences the trend of receiving health care services at home rather than in hospitals.
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Elderly Population Increase
A demographic factor contributing to the rise of home health care services.
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Quality of Health Care
The standard of care that a state-licensed administrator is responsible for ensuring in a facility.
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Space Requirements
A consideration for the implementation of automated dispensing systems, which require significant amounts of space.
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Computer Connectivity Problems
Issues that automated dispensing systems have been prone to, impacting their efficiency.
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Record Keeping Automation
A process that automated dispensing systems facilitate, along with billing and reordering.
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Home health care services
Includes pharmaceutical services, nursing services, personal care services, rehabilitation services, and home medical supply services.
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Pharmaceutical services
Services provided by pharmacies that include the provision of durable medical supplies, orthopedic supplies, oxygen therapy, wound care, artificial limbs, medical devices, prescription medications, and infusion therapy.
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Nursing services
Care provided by registered nurses in a home setting.
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Personal care services
Assistance with daily living activities for patients in their home.
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Rehabilitation services
Therapies aimed at helping patients recover from illness or injury.
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Home medical supply services
Provision of medical supplies necessary for patient care at home.
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Payment sources for home health care
Medicare (39.0%), Medicaid (27.2%), Private insurance (12.0%), Out-of-pocket (20.5%), Other and unknown (1.3%).
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High-technology therapies
Includes IV antibiotic therapy, chemotherapy, pain medication, total parenteral nutrition, enteral nutrition, renal dialysis, and respiratory and ventilation therapy.
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Home infusion pharmacy
A practice where infusion therapies are prepared and dispensed to patients in the home.
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Sterile compounding
The preparation of sterile products for IV and other parenteral administration.
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IV solutions
Intravenous solutions prepared for patient administration.
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Enteral nutrition therapy
Nutritional therapy delivered directly to the gastrointestinal tract.
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Acute care
Short-term treatment for severe injuries or illnesses.
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Cytotoxic cancer chemotherapy agents
Drugs used to treat cancer by killing or slowing the growth of cancer cells.
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Total parenteral nutrition therapy
Nutritional therapy delivered intravenously, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.
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Pain management therapy
Therapies aimed at alleviating pain for patients.
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Hydration therapy
Therapy aimed at restoring body fluids.
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Collaboration in high-technology home care
Involves close cooperation among the physician, pharmacist, registered nurse, and medical supply company.
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Home infusion pharmacy service
Includes preparation of IV solutions, injectable drugs, and enteral nutrition therapy.
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Medical supply company
A company that provides medical equipment and supplies for patient care.
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Wound care
Treatment and management of injuries to the skin.
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Oxygen therapy
Treatment that provides oxygen to patients who have low levels of oxygen in their blood.
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Artificial limbs
Prosthetic devices that replace missing limbs.
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Durable medical supplies
Medical equipment that is designed to be reused and last for an extended period.
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IV solutions
Solutions administered intravenously that can be degraded by diluting solutions, light, heat, and storage environments.
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IV admixture
A mixture of drugs in an IV solution that may interact with each other, leading to decreased effectiveness or toxicity.
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Contamination in IV
The potential for bacterial growth and transmission to the patient due to manipulation of the IV admixture.
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Biotechnology-derived drugs
Drugs that may have very short periods of stability and require special techniques for dilution and dispersion.
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Accuracy of preparation
Supports delivery of the labeled amount and ensures consistency from dose to dose and from patient to patient.
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Home infusion pharmacy equipment
Includes automated compounding and dispensing devices, laminar flow hoods, refrigerators with locked compartments, computer hardware, and printers.
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Supplies in home infusion pharmacy
Includes syringes, needles, dispensing pins, IV solution containers, filters, transfer sets, IV tubing, alcohol preparation pads, gloves, masks, gowns, and covers.
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Pharmacy technician duties
Processing equipment and supply orders, compounding sterile products, and handling home infusion equipment and supplies.
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Knowledge for pharmacy technicians
Must include home infusion therapies, nutritional products, sterile compounding, aseptic technique, pharmaceutical calculations, and relevant laws and regulations.
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Nutritional therapy types
Includes parenteral and enteral nutrition therapy provided by home infusion pharmacy.
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Parenteral nutrition therapy
Delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream.
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Total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
Consists of amino acids, dextrose, fats, electrolytes, vitamins, trace elements, and medications like insulin and heparin.
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TPN formulations
Highly complex mixtures that require proper mixing and are usually prepared several days before administration.
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Enteral nutrition therapy
Delivers foods and nutrients into the gastrointestinal tract through a tube.
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Tube feeding
The most common home infusion nutritional therapy used in enteral nutrition.
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Supplemental nutrition
Enteral nutrition can supplement oral or parenteral nutrition or meet the patient's entire nutritional needs.
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Candidates for home enteral nutrition
Patients with swallowing problems due to conditions such as stroke, dementia, trauma, cancer, or AIDS.
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Feeding tubes
Devices placed into the stomach through the nose for short-term therapy of up to 3 to 4 weeks.
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Long-term enteral therapy
Feeding tubes placed into the stomach or small intestine through the skin.
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Nasogastric Route
A method of enteral feeding through the nose into the stomach.
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Nasoduodenal Route
A method of enteral feeding through the nose into the duodenum.
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Nasojejunal Route
A method of enteral feeding through the nose into the jejunum.
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Esophagostomy Route
A method of enteral feeding through an opening in the esophagus.
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Gastrostomy Route
A method of enteral feeding through an opening in the stomach.
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Jejunostomy Route
A method of enteral feeding through an opening in the jejunum.
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Hospice
An organized program of services to meet the medical, physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs of a terminally ill patient.
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Hospice care
Care that focuses on the patient's comfort rather than on a cure for the disease.
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Eligibility for hospice care under Medicare
A physician must certify that death is expected within 6 months.
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Average length of stay in hospice
51 days.
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Funding for hospice programs
Comes from Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance.
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Philosophy of hospice
Affirms life and neither hastens nor postpones death.
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Palliative care
Care offered to terminally ill people to alleviate suffering.
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Hospice pharmacy services
Divided into clinical services and dispensing services.
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Clinical services in hospice pharmacy
Include pain management, symptom management, medication monitoring, drug regimen review, drug information services, and formulary development and management.
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Dispensing services in hospice pharmacy
Include medications and related equipment and supplies, sterile IV infusion compounding, starter kits, and 24-hour on-call coverage.
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Starter kit
A group of medications given to a hospice patient to provide a 'start' in treatment for urgent problems during the last days or weeks of life.
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Ambulatory Care Pharmacy
The provision of ambulatory care services increased dramatically during the 1980s and mid to late 1990s.
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Ambulatory Patients
Patients who are able to walk and who are responsible for obtaining their medication, storing it, and taking it.
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Outpatient Care
Care provided in hospital-based facilities and, in most cases, on the campuses of such hospitals.
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Types of Patient Designations
Various designations are used to categorize patients: institutionalized, non-institutionalized, inpatient, outpatient, bedridden, and ambulatory.
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Health Care Trends
One of the most significant trends in health care has been the emphasis on shorter hospital stays and on outpatient care.
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Ambulatory Care Services
Includes a range of services such as outpatient pharmacies, emergency departments, primary care clinics, specialty clinics, ambulatory care centers, and family practice groups.
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Clinical Pharmacists
Practice in various primary care clinics and improve drug therapy documentation, patient adherence, decrease duplicate prescriptions, and prevent the risk of overdosage.
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Pharmacy Clinic
Provides refills to drop-in patients and is where patients are referred by physicians to clinical pharmacists.
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Anticoagulation Clinic
One of the most successful pharmacist-managed ambulatory clinics.
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Chronic Management
The value of clinical pharmacists in the chronic management of patients with hypertension, diabetes, and allergies of patients receiving anticoagulation therapy is obvious.
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Clinical Pharmacy Services
Must be provided 80% to 90% of the time for successful ambulatory care pharmacy services.
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Mail-Order Pharmacy
Defined as a pharmacy that dispenses maintenance medications to patients through mail delivery.
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Advantages of Mail-Order Pharmacy
Include cost savings, patient convenience, and privacy.
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Growth of Mail-Order Pharmacy
It is one of the fastest growing areas in pharmacy practice.
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Health Plans and Mail-Order Pharmacy
Offered by most health plans today as an option to the traditional retail pharmacy for obtaining prescriptions.
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Mail-Order Pharmacy Staff
Consists of licensed pharmacists, registered nurses, and technicians.
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Pharmacy Technicians in Mail-Order Pharmacy
Perform almost all of the dispensing functions involved with filling prescriptions.
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Patient Referrals
Patients are referred by physicians to clinical pharmacists for physical assessment, laboratory tests, altering dosages, and changing medications.
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Comprehensive Ambulatory Care
Successful ambulatory care pharmacy services must be comprehensive and continual.
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Drug Therapy Decisions
Involves the clinical pharmacist being available and accessible when the patient is being seen.
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Increased Secretions
One of the symptoms patients may suffer from.
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Constipation
One of the symptoms patients may suffer from.
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Nausea
One of the symptoms patients may suffer from.
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Vomiting
One of the symptoms patients may suffer from.
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Anxiety
One of the symptoms patients may suffer from.
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Agitation
One of the symptoms patients may suffer from.
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Fever
One of the symptoms patients may suffer from.
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Pain
One of the symptoms patients may suffer from.
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Mail-order pharmacy
A pharmacy that provides services to all 50 states, operates at a high volume, and offers discounts, making it more economical for patients.
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Maintenance medication
Medication that is required regularly for the treatment of a chronic condition.
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Disadvantages of mail-order pharmacy
Include medication waste, lack of personal contact, increases in medication errors, and time delays.
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Specialty mail-order pharmacy
A pharmacy that handles many different types of prescriptions for patients with chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.
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Central Fill Pharmacy
A pharmacy located near individual pharmacies that provides services to varying numbers of these pharmacies, often handling refills and utilizing automation.
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Internet pharmacy
A pharmacy that utilizes commercial websites to allow patients to order prescription and over-the-counter medications online.
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Chronic illnesses
Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, or gastrointestinal disorders that require ongoing medication.
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FDA
The Food and Drug Administration, which estimates the number of combination mail-order/online pharmacies in the U.S.
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NABP
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, which also estimates the number of combination mail-order/online pharmacies in the U.S.
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Copayment
The amount a patient pays for a prescription, usually covered by a single payer.
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Specialty medications
Medications that are often packaged for injection and are not easily found in average retail community pharmacies.
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Insurance claims
Problems that a central fill pharmacy resolves as part of its activities.
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Drug use reviews
An activity performed by central fill pharmacies to ensure safe and effective medication use.
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Overnight delivery
A service offered by internet pharmacies to deliver medications quickly to patients.
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Patient counseling
An activity that local pharmacists at individual pharmacies have more time for due to the services provided by central fill pharmacies.
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Refills of prescriptions
The primary activity handled by central fill pharmacies.
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Delivery costs
Costs that internet pharmacies usually reduce to be competitive with traditional retail pharmacies.
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Chronic condition
A long-term health issue that requires ongoing treatment and medication.
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Medicaid
A payer that often covers prescriptions filled by specialty mail-order pharmacies.
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Medicare
Another payer that may cover prescriptions from specialty mail-order pharmacies.
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Private insurers
Payers that may cover prescriptions for specialty medications.
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Volume of prescriptions
A factor that leads central fill pharmacies to utilize automation.
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Communication options
E-mail and toll-free phone numbers provided by internet pharmacies for patient interaction.
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Comprehensive websites
Websites provided by internet pharmacies that offer detailed information about medications.
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Delivery costs
Costs that are usually reduced in order to be competitive with traditional retail pharmacies.
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Overnight delivery
A service available through Internet pharmacies for quick medication delivery.
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Internet pharmacies
Pharmacies that operate online and provide e-mail and toll-free phone numbers for patient communication.
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Comprehensive websites
Websites that provide complete, detailed information about the medications offered by Internet pharmacies.
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Legitimate Internet pharmacies
Pharmacies that operate with rigid safeguards to ensure quality pharmacy care and counseling.
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Illegitimate Internet pharmacy websites
Websites that sell unsafe medications and dispense medications without proper prescriptions.
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Nuclear pharmacy
A branch of pharmacy that deals with the provision of services related to radiopharmaceuticals.
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Radiopharmaceutical
A radioactive drug used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, consisting of a drug component and a radioactive component.
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Drug component
The part of a radiopharmaceutical responsible for localization in specific organs or tissues.
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Radioactive component
The part of a radiopharmaceutical that contains radioactive elements.
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Types of radiation
Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation released by a radionuclide.
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Gamma radiation
The most penetrating type of radiation, differing from alpha and beta radiation as it is electromagnetic.
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Nuclear medicine
A field that uses very small quantities of radionuclides for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
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Tracers
Radiopharmaceuticals used to assess the structure, function, secretion, excretion, and volume of a particular organ or tissue.
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Sterile, pyrogen-free intravenous solutions
The form in which most radiopharmaceuticals are prepared for administration to patients.
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Imaging
An important component of nuclear medicine involving administering radiopharmaceuticals to localize a specific organ or system.
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Radionuclides
Radioactive isotopes used in nuclear medicine, with iodine and technetium being the most commonly used.
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Technetium-99m (99mTc)
A radionuclide used in about 80% of radioactive drugs, primarily for diagnosis.
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Reagent kit
A multidose vial containing compounds in freeze-dried form, used for imaging various organ systems.
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Iodine-131 (131I)
A radionuclide used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism and recently for ovarian and prostate cancer.
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Strontium-89 (89Sr)
A radionuclide used more recently for treatment as strontium chloride.
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Pharmacy technicians
Individuals commonly sent for radiopharmaceutical training by the nuclear pharmacy that employs them.
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Sterile IV compounding experience
A general requirement for positions in nuclear pharmacy.
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Beta radiation
Radiation emitted by certain isotopes, such as 89Sr, which localizes in areas of metastatic disease of bone and reduces pain.
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89Sr
An analog of calcium that localizes in areas of metastatic disease of bone and reduces pain through beta radiation.
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Palliative agent
A type of treatment that provides relief from pain without curing the underlying disease.
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Radiopharmaceutical preparation
Can be done at the manufacturing site or compounded in a nuclear pharmacy or nuclear medicine department.
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Levels of sophistication in compounding
Includes simple addition of radioactive pertechnetate, radiolabeling of blood cells, custom radiolabeling of peptides and antibodies, and rapid hot laboratory compounding.
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Short half-lives
A characteristic of radionuclides commonly used in radiopharmaceuticals, necessitating preparation on the day of use.
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Nuclear pharmacy
Involves procuring, storing, compounding, dispensing, and providing information about radiopharmaceuticals.
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Specialized training for pharmacists
Includes nuclear physics, radiation detection instrumentation, radiochemistry, and radiation protection.
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Centralized commercial nuclear pharmacy
The most common practice site for nuclear pharmacists, often requiring a professional degree.
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Institutional site nuclear pharmacists
Typically have received an advanced degree (MS) and may be more involved with clinical service and teaching.
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Radiopharmaceutical dispensing
A significant function of pharmacists in centralized nuclear pharmacies, servicing 10 to 15 hospitals and clinics.
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Specialized nuclear pharmacy equipment
Includes autoclaves for sterilization and centrifuges for blood sample separation or radionuclide combination.
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Autoclaves
Equipment used for sterilization in nuclear pharmacies.
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Centrifuges
Used to spin whole blood samples for separation of elements or for combining with a radionuclide.
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Clinical service
An area where nuclear pharmacists may be more involved, especially in larger hospitals.
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Investigational products
Products that may be handled by nuclear pharmacists in clinical settings.
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Teaching
An activity that nuclear pharmacists may engage in, particularly in institutional settings.
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Radiolabeling
The process of attaching a radioactive isotope to a molecule, such as blood cells or peptides.
242
Radionuclides
Radioactive isotopes commonly used in the preparation of radiopharmaceuticals.
243
Compounding
The process of preparing radiopharmaceuticals, which can vary in complexity.
244
Nuclear medicine department
A facility where some radiopharmaceuticals may be compounded.
245
Dose calibrators
Used to measure radioactivity of radionuclides.
246
Dosimeters
Used to measure radiation exposure to individuals.
247
Fume hoods
Laminar airflow hoods adapted to vent air outward in order to release radiation rather than recycle it back into the hoods.
248
Geiger counters
Used to measure low-level radiation in an area.
249
Glove boxes
Laminar airflow hoods designed so that a worker's hands may be inserted through special gloves allowing access into them.
250
Heating devices
Dry heat ovens, incubators, and hot water baths.
251
Refrigerators and freezers
Lead-lined units designed for radioactive compounds.
252
Respirators
Used to prevent the inhalation of radioactive substances.
253
Shields
Lead barrier shields used to protect workers from radioactivity.
254
Showers
Used to remove radioactive substances from workers.
255
Sinks
Deep stainless steel sinks used to prevent splashing of radioactive compounds onto workers.
256
Storage boxes
Lead-lined boxes for storage and decay of radioactive materials.
257
Testing equipment
Instruments such as chromatographs, microscopes, and pH meters used for quality control procedures.
258
Lead-lined aprons and gloves
Specialized nuclear pharmacy supplies for protection.
259
Leaded protective eyewear
Specialized nuclear pharmacy supplies for eye protection.
260
Leaded syringe and vial shields
Specialized nuclear pharmacy supplies for shielding syringes and vials.
261
Long tweezers or tongs
Specialized nuclear pharmacy supplies for handling radioactive materials.
262
Ammonia
Specialized nuclear pharmacy supply used in various applications.
263
Cushioning materials
Specialized nuclear pharmacy supplies for protecting products during transport.
264
Specialized labels and shipping containers
Used for the safe transport of radioactive materials.
265
Vehicles used to deliver products
Specialized nuclear pharmacy supplies for transportation.
266
Procurement
Involves determining product specifications, initiating purchase orders, receiving shipments, maintaining inventory, and storing materials under proper conditions.
267
Quality assurance
Ensures the safety and efficacy of radiopharmaceuticals.
268
Health and safety
Focuses on protecting workers and patients in nuclear pharmacy.
269
Monitoring patient outcome
Involves tracking the effects of radiopharmaceuticals on patients.
270
Regulations
Guidelines governing the practice of nuclear pharmacy.
271
Compounding
Compounding of radiopharmaceuticals involves various activities ranging from relatively simple tasks such as reconstituting reagent kits with 99mTc sodium pertechnetate to complex tasks.
272
Quality Assurance
Quality assurance of radiopharmaceuticals involves performing the appropriate chemical, physical, and biological tests on radiopharmaceuticals to ensure the suitability of the products for use in humans.
273
Dispensing
Dispensing radiopharmaceuticals occurs upon the receipt of a valid prescription or drug order.
274
Distribution
Distribution of radiopharmaceuticals within an institution is subject to institutional policies and procedures, generally involving lead-lined boxes or other shielded containers labeled with identifying information.
275
Health and Safety
Health and safety are crucial elements of nuclear pharmacy practice, including radiation safety standards and proper handling of hazardous chemicals.
276
Radiopharmaceuticals
Radiopharmaceuticals are generally dispensed in unit doses ready for administration to the patient.
277
Institutional Policies
Distribution of radiopharmaceuticals from a centralized nuclear pharmacy to other institutions is subject to local, state, and federal regulations.
278
Radiation Safety Standards
Radiation safety standards include limits for radiation doses, levels of radiation in an area, concentrations of radioactivity in air and waste water, and waste disposal.
279
NRC
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) enforces radiation safety standards and other health and safety regulations.
280
Hazardous Chemicals
Hazardous chemicals, such as chromatography solvents, must be stored, handled, and disposed of using proper techniques.
281
Personal Protective Devices
Personal protective devices are necessary for the safe handling of hazardous materials in nuclear pharmacy.
282
Record Keeping
Appropriate record keeping is required during the compounding of radiopharmaceuticals.
283
Expiration Verification
Verification of the compounding procedure, storage conditions, and expiration is necessary in the compounding of radiopharmaceuticals.
284
Unit Doses
Unit doses of radiopharmaceuticals are prepared for administration to patients by trained health professionals.
285
Lead-Lined Boxes
Lead-lined boxes or other shielded containers are used for the distribution of radiopharmaceuticals.
286
State Boards of Pharmacy
State boards of pharmacy regulate the distribution of radiopharmaceuticals.
287
U.S. Department of Transportation
The U.S. Department of Transportation has regulations that affect the distribution of radiopharmaceuticals.
288
Packaging and Labeling
Requirements for packaging and labeling of radiopharmaceuticals are established by local, state, and federal regulations.
289
Personnel Training
Personnel training is necessary for the safe handling and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals.
290
Pharmacological Intervention Studies
Certain other drugs, such as those used in pharmacological intervention studies, are often dispensed by nuclear pharmacists.
291
Biological specimens
Samples such as blood that must be handled as potentially infectious using standard precautions.
292
Physical exertion
Activities such as lifting heavy lead shields that must be done with appropriate care.
293
Provision of Information and Consultation
A critical function of nuclear pharmacists involving communication of expert knowledge to various stakeholders.
294
Nuclear pharmacist
A professional who provides information on biological effects of radiation, radiation physics, and radiopharmaceutical chemistry.
295
Monitoring Patient Outcome
An important component in pharmaceutical care where a nuclear pharmacist ensures patients are referred for appropriate procedures.
296
Safety and efficacy evaluation
The process of assessing the safety and effectiveness of radiopharmaceuticals and ancillary medications.
297
Regulation of nuclear pharmacy practice
The responsibility of the NRC, which issues licenses and regulates radioactive materials.
298
NRC
The commission responsible for ensuring the safety of workers and the public exposed to radiation.
299
Radiation badges
Devices worn by health care professionals to monitor radiation exposure, checked monthly.
300
Radiation safety committee
A group maintained by the employing organization to ensure worker safety from radiation exposure.
301
Long-term pharmacy organizations
Entities created to provide medications and clinical services to long-term care facilities.
302
Home health care services
Expanded services that include pharmaceutical, nursing, personal care, rehabilitation, and medical supply services.
303
High-technology home care
Includes administration of IV antibiotics, chemotherapy, pain medications, TPN, and enteral nutrition.
304
Clinical pharmacists
Professionals involved in drug therapy decisions for ambulatory care practices.
305
Mail-order pharmacies
Pharmacies that dispense medications through mail delivery, one of the fastest growing areas in pharmacy.
306
Nuclear Pharmacy
Involves the procuring, storage, compounding, dispensing, and provision of information about radiopharmaceuticals.
307
Long-Term Care
A range of health and health-related support services.
308
Long-term care patients
Include children with congenital anomalies, young adults with lengthy recovery periods from trauma, and elderly persons with chronic diseases and/or age-related conditions.
309
Long-term care pharmacy organization
A licensed professional pharmacy or practice that provides medications and clinical services to long-term care facilities and their residents.
310
Long-term care pharmacy services
Must be available 24 hours a day.
311
Consultant pharmacists
Have decreased medication costs, adverse drug reactions and interactions, medication errors, hospitalization length, and mortality rates.
312
Home Health Care
Includes nursing care, personal care, and residual care.
313
Pharmacy responsibilities in home health care
Provision of durable medical supplies, orthopedic supplies, oxygen therapy, wound care, artificial limbs, medical devices, prescription medications, and infusion therapy.
314
Common high-tech therapies
Include IV antibiotic therapy, chemotherapy, pain medication, total parenteral nutrition, enteral nutrition, renal dialysis, respiratory therapy, and ventilation therapy.
315
High-technology home care
Requires close collaboration of physicians, pharmacists, registered nurses, and medical supply companies.
316
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
Consists of amino acid (protein), dextrose (carbohydrate), fats, electrolytes, vitamins, trace elements, and medications (such as insulin or heparin).
317
Parenteral nutrition therapy
Nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream.
318
Hospice
An organized program of services to meet the medical, physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs of a patient who is terminally ill.
319
Ambulatory patients
Those who are able to walk and who are responsible for obtaining their medication, storing it, and taking it.
320
Ambulatory care
Includes outpatient pharmacies, emergency departments, primary care clinics, specialty clinics, ambulatory care centers, and family practice groups.
321
Home Health Care versus Hospice
Home health care focuses on post-hospital care, while hospice focuses on the comfort of terminally ill patients.
322
Advantages of Mail-Order Pharmacy
Include cost savings, decreased dispensing errors, patient convenience and privacy, and unlimited access to a pharmacist.
323
Preparation and handling of radiopharmaceuticals
Use of radioactive nucleotides to combat diseases.
324
Example of radiopharmaceutical
Iodine-131 to treat hyperthyroidism.
325
Pharmacy Technician Roles in Home Infusion Pharmacy
Assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing infusion therapies to patients in the home.
326
Types of infusion therapies for home infusion
Include antibiotics, pain management, hydration, TPN, and cytotoxic cancer chemotherapy agents.
