Question

For a pharmacist dispensing pills or capsules, it is often easier to weigh the medication to be dispensed rather than to count the individual pills. If a single antibiotic capsule weighs \(0.65 \mathrm{~g}\), and a pharmacist weighs out \(15.6 \mathrm{~g}\) of capsules, how many capsules have been dispensed?

Short answer

The pharmacist dispensed 24 antibiotic capsules.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the given information

We are given the weight of a single antibiotic capsule (0.65 g) and the total weight of all capsules dispensed (15.6 g). We need to find out how many capsules have been dispensed.

Set up the equation to solve for the number of capsules

To find the number of capsules, divide the total weight of the capsules by the weight of a single capsule: \(Number\,of\,capsules = \frac{Total\,Weight}{Weight\,of\,single\,capsule}\)

Plug in the given values

Put the given values into the equation: \(Number\,of\,capsules = \frac{15.6\,g}{0.65\,g}\)

Solve for the number of capsules

Perform the division to find the number of capsules: \(Number\,of\,capsules = 24\) So, the pharmacist dispensed 24 antibiotic capsules.

Key concepts

Weight Measurement in Pharmacy

In the pharmaceutical field, weight measurement is a critical skill. A pharmacist often needs to weigh medications to ensure precise dosing. For example, when dispensing capsules, instead of counting each individually, it's more efficient to weigh them. This saves time and reduces the chance of errors. In our exercise, we were given that each antibiotic capsule weighs 0.65 grams.

We must also accurately measure the total weight of all capsules we need to dispense. For this, we require a high-precision scale, as even slight inaccuracies can lead to incorrect dosages, affecting a patient's health.

Proper weight measurement not only assures correct dosing but also increases overall efficiency in the pharmacy setting. Remember, accuracy in measurement is key to patient safety.

Some tips for accurate weight measurement include:

• Calibrate the scale regularly.
• Ensure the scale is on a stable, vibration-free surface.
• Check for any external influences, like airflow or dust, that may affect measurements.

Conversion Calculations

Conversion calculations are essential in pharmacy work, especially when dealing with weights and volumes. In our example, converting the total weight of capsules dispensed into the number of capsules required simple division.

To perform the calculation, we used the formula:\[Number\,of\,capsules = \frac{Total\,Weight}{Weight\,of\,single\,capsule}\]Here, the total weight was 15.6 grams, and the weight of each capsule was 0.65 grams.
By substituting these values into the formula, we achieved an answer of 24 capsules.

When performing conversion calculations:

• Double-check units to ensure they match before calculation.
• Understand the context, like ensuring weights are in the same unit (grams to grams).
• Cross-verify calculations to prevent errors, ensuring patient safety.

Mastering conversion calculations helps ensure that pharmacists deliver medications in safe quantities.

Problem-Solving in Pharmacy

Problem-solving is an essential skill in pharmacy, allowing for accurate interpretation and resolution of calculation-based tasks. In our exercise, the problem was to find out how many capsules were dispensed given the total weight.

When solving such problems:

• First, understand the problem by identifying given information and what you need to find.
• Next, set up a clear equation or method to process the information logically.
• Then, substitute the given values accurately into your method and solve step-by-step.
• Finally, cross-check your solution to see if it logically makes sense and aligns with the given data.

In pharmacy, developing strong problem-solving skills helps in deciding quantities, interpreting prescriptions, and ensuring precision in medication dispensing. Whether it's a simple weight division or a complex conversion, applying systematic problem-solving steps will enhance decision-making accuracy in the pharmacy environment.