High-alert drugs are drugs that bear a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when they are used in error. High-alert drugs carry a significant risk of causing serious injury or death to patients when they are used in error. Although mistakes may or may not be more common with these drugs, the consequences of an error are clearly more devastating to patients. For years, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) has published a list of high-alert medications for acute care settings. ISMP gives the following strategies to reduce the risk of errors and minimize harm. Standardizing the ordering, storage, preparation, and administration of these medications Improving access to information about these drugs Limiting access to high-alert medications Using auxiliary labels and automated alerts Employing redundancies High Alert Drugs The following medicines should ‘ring alarm bells’ as having important interactions: Warfarin Statins Macrolide Antibiotics Calcium Channel Blockers Azole antifungals SSRIs – fluoxetine Amiodarone Digoxin Rifampicin, Isoniazid Antiepileptic medicines – particularly carbamazepine, phenytoin; less so valproate Important Drug Interactions of High Alert Drugs Warfarin Monitor INR and patient closely when adding metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, cotrimoxazole, clarithromycin, doxycycline, fluconazole, azathioprine, rifampicin, isoniazid, carbamazepine, phenytoin, sulfasalazine, amiodarone Adjust dose of warfarin, at the outset, when adding these drugs Switch to LMWH or UFH Atorvastatin Do not use with verapamil, clarithromycin, itraconazole, fluconazole, ciclosporine Monitor CPK levels Switch to rosuvastatin (with warfarin, atorvastatin may be better) when adding any of these drugs Clarithromycin Do not use with atorvastatin, digoxin, warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, colchicine, phenytoin, carbamazepine and drugs that prolong QT interval May use azithromycin or another antibiotic in patients taking any of these drugs Itraconazole, Fluconazole Do not use with atorvastatin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, digoxin Use carefully with warfarin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin Digoxin Do not use with clarithromycin, itraconazole, ciclosporine, verapamil, diltiazem Use carefully with diuretics, amiodarone, rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine Rifampicin, Isoniazid Use carefully with hepatotoxic drugs Use carefully with phenytoin, carbamazepine, warfarin, digoxin, calcium channel blockers, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, sulfonylureas, macrolide antibiotics, azole antifungals Carbamazepine, Phenytoin Do not use with clarithromycin, oral contraceptive pills Use carefully with warfarin, itraconazole, isoniazid, rifampicin Amiodarone Use carefully with digoxin, warfarin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and drugs that prolong QT interval Sildenafil Do not use with nitrates Allopurinol Do not use with azathioprine For Further Information Please Subscribe [email-subscribers-form id=”1″]
HAAD Exam Preparation Guide: Tips for UAE Healthcare Professionals
Do you want to practice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? A professional license is a mandatory requirement to practice within a profession in UAE. To get a license you must pass the HAAD exam. I tried to cover everything from what is the HAAD exam? what do you have to study for the exam? Who should take the exam? Tips for the Exam Test and actionable steps that you can take to pass your HAAD exam. To make it easy, I have created a table of contents to help you navigate through our ultimate guide to prepare for the HAAD exam. Table of Contents What is the HAAD Exam? HAAD Exam Syllabus What is the ESS (Examination & Evaluation System)? Who should take the HAAD Exam? Tips for Exam Day Exam Preparation Timeline Exam Day Happening Before the exam day How to Register for the HAAD exam? Requirements of HAAD exam Cost of the HAAD exam Recommended Books for HAAD What is the HAAD Exam? HAAD (Health Authority of Abu Dhabi) is a professional license exam conduct by Abu Dhabi Authority. There are different specialties of exams depending on the student’s profession. The major areas which HAAD covers include Doctors in Abu Dhabi must obtain specific licenses from HAAD depending on whether they are interns, general practitioners, specialists, consultants or resident doctors. Pharmacists need to take a different exam on the basis of their specialization’s, The HAAD classifies pharmacists into clinical pharmacists, community pharmacists, and pharmacy technician. Nurses too must obtain their licenses from HAAD depending on whether they are applying to be registered nurses, registered midwives, nurse practitioners, mental health nurses, pediatric nurses, community nurse or assistant nurses. HAAD Exam Syllabus Pharmacist HAAD Syllabus 1. Professional and Ethical Practice Self-management Commitment to Quality Fulfills their legal and regulatory obligations as a Pharmacist and employer Demonstrate ongoing learning 2. Dispensing medicines Manage the dispensing process Adheres to legal and ethical requirements of UAE prescriptions Promote and contribute to the optimal use of medicines Communicate effectively Provide clinical and pharmaceutical services Provide medicines and health information and education 3. Manage work issues and relationships Manage work Manage problems Communicate effectively in the workplace Work effectively with others 4. Clinical competence Clinical governance Continuing professional development (CPD) Health and safety Prescribing guidelines Code of ethics Environmental protection Consumer and Data protection Evidence-based practice Action and uses of drugs Quality Assurance Responding to adverse drug reactions Triage Adverse effects of medicines Drug interactions Counseling requirements Optimizing patients’ drug therapy Health promotion and disease prevention Pharmaceutical Calculations Nurse HAAD Syllabus 1. Management of Nursing Care Promotes patient optimum health and wellbeing Promotes an environment that maximizes patient safety Promotes patient physiological and psychological integrity 2. Professional and Ethical Practice Demonstrates professional behavior when working with people Upholds and contributes to the maintenance of professional nursing standards Actively contributes to collaborative working relationships with members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team 3. Professional Development Demonstrate a commitment to the development of self Demonstrates a commitment to the development of others Demonstrates a commitment to the development of the profession 4. Clinical competence: Geriatric medicine, most notably diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts, Alzheimers and dementia. First Aid and CPR Clinical Application of Laboratory Tests Pain Management Cardiac Dysrhythmias: Interpretation, Treatment, and Nursing Management Drugs of Abuse and Mental Health Issues Clinical Application of: Pharmacological Concepts Nursing Management of Human Resources Trauma/Critical Care Nursing Women’s Health Issues Computing and Nursing Informatics Ethical Challenges in Health Care Informatics Dying and Death Emergency Care and Safety What is the ESS (Examination & Evaluation System)? Each type of professional can apply for the fully online Examination & Evaluation System (EES), in their own country, thus reducing costs and time, all fees can even be paid electronically. All health-care professionals including doctors, technicians, dentists, pharmacists, and traditional practitioners; especially outside the UAE can now apply online for a medical license to work in the UAE. Who Should Take the HAAD Exam? Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) – someone who performs decontamination services, mainly in a hospital setting. Dental technician – someone who aids a dentist performing their job. Dietician – someone who works with food and nutrition. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) – emergency care, paramedicine, medical assessment. GP Dentist. Medical imaging – this is mainly radiography. Medical practitioner – this is mainly a doctor. Medical laboratory technician – laboratory sciences, hematology. Nursing – similar to NCLEX Exam. Optometry – ophthalmology. Pharmacist – very similar to the NAPLEX Exam. Physiotherapy Tips For Exam Day When you arrive at the test center, there are some initial steps you will need to complete before sitting down for the exam: You will be required to “Check-In” at the reception desk in the Test Centre where you will present your two forms of valid, original identification. The test center staff will verify your appointment time, your identity, and they will take a photo of you and collect your signature on an electronic signature pad. The Candidate Rules that contain the terms conditions for sitting the exam will be given to you. It is your responsibility to read and understand the terms and conditions of sitting at the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi examination. The Test Centre Administrator will provide you with a locker and key to store all of your personal belongings after check-in. You may not bring any personal belongings into the testing room. This includes but is not limited to the following: Mobile telephones Blue Tooth headphones PDAs Handbags Books Paper Drinks and food of any kind Medicines Pens, pencils, markers Exam Preparation Timeline Prepare – practice makes perfect, make sure you practice from as many sources as possible. Remember you can learn from as many books as possible but the most effective way to make sure this stays in your brain is to use it, do as many HAAD Exam questions as possible. Dedicate – make sure you dedicate enough time to the exam, on average students take at least two months to prepare often reserving at least 15 hours per week to make
Serial Dilutions: An Easy Learning Guide
Dilution is the process of making a solution weaker or less concentrated. In microbiology, serial dilutions (log dilutions) are used to decrease a bacterial concentration to a required concentration for a specific test method, or to a concentration which is easier to count when plated to an agar plate. I have created this guide to provide a better understanding of dilutions and should be used as a guideline, not a replacement for laboratory procedures. Types of Dilutions Log Dilutions A log dilution is a tenfold dilution, meaning the concentration is decreased by a multiple of ten. To complete a tenfold dilution, the ratio must be 1:10. The 1 represents the amount of sample added. The 10 represents the total size of the final sample. For example, a sample size of 1 ml is added to 9 ml of diluent to equal a total of 10 ml. Example: 1:10 dilution – if the concentration is 1,000 CFU, a one log dilution will drop the concentration to 100 CFU. Multiple Dilutions Multiple dilutions are required to decrease the sample concentration by multiple logs. If the concentration is 35,000 CFU/ml (104), and 35 CFU/ml is the target concentration, the following serial dilutions can be performed. Serial Dilution A serial dilution is the stepwise dilution of a substance in a solution. Usually, the dilution factor at each step is constant, resulting in a geometric progression of the concentration in a logarithmic fashion. Purpose of Serial Dilution Like I mention above A serial dilution is a series of sequential dilutions used to reduce a dense culture of cells to a more usable concentration. Each dilution will reduce the concentration of bacteria by a specific amount. Requirements Sterile Normal Saline Desired Strain (Bacterial culture) Multiple tubes with a screw cap MicroPipette Agar (Tryptic Soy Agar, Selective media) Broth (Tryptic Soy Broth) Precautions Clean and sterilize your work area. Use either disposable inoculation loop or a metal loop that can be heat sterilized to inoculate plates, slants and liquid tubes. If using a metal loop, be sure to cool the loop by touching the sterile cooled liquid media. Procedure Make dilution in the 1st tube by taking 2ml normal saline in a tube and inoculate the desired culture in it. Label 10 tubes and plates as 1,2,3……..,10. Add 9 ml in each test tube. After this, transfer 1 ml (known volume) of the culture from the previously made dilution into the 1st tube having 9ml normal saline. From 1st tube transfer 1ml (known volume) in 2nd test tube and repeat steps till 10th test tube. Discard 1ml from the 10th test tube. After making dilutions, pour 100ul with a pipette from 1st test tube into the respective plate. Repeat this procedure until the 10th plate. After following these steps, pour media TSA or desired media into the plates and let them solidify. Incubate at 35° ±2 in case of bacterial culture and for fungus incubate at 23°±2. Results Observe after 24 hours. Calculations Dilutions are useful in science when making solutions or growing an acceptable number of bacterial colonies to count. There are three formulas used to work microbiology dilution problems: finding individual dilutions, finding serial dilutions, and finding the number of organisms in the original sample. To find a dilution of a single tube, use the formula: sample/(diluent + sample). The sample is the amount you are transferring into the tube, and the diluent is the liquid already in the tube. When you transfer 1 ml into 9 ml, the formula would be 1/(1+9) = 1/10. This could also be written as 1:10. After you have calculated the individual dilutions for each tube, multiply the dilutions when using serial dilutions. Serial dilutions are the culmination of a number of diluted tubes used in order to get smaller dilutions. When a sample diluted 1/100 is added to a sample diluted 1/10, the final dilution would be: (1/100) x (1/10) = 1/1000. Example of Calculation Let’s think through a practice dilution: You will make several dilutions of a bacterial stock culture. For some dilutions, you will add 10µl of the more concentrated solution to 990µl of sterile diluent in a microfuge tube. For others, you will add 100µl of the more concentrated solution to 900µl of sterile diluent. Following is a graphic representation of these dilutions: How did we get to those dilution values? Here is an example: 10µl of sample put into 990µl of diluent gives: 10µl divided by (990 + 10) µl total volume = 10/1000 = 1/100 = 10-2 You plate (put subsamples onto nutrient agar) the following dilutions: (A) 10µl of the 10-3 dilution (B) 100µl of the 10-5 dilution (C) 100µl of the 10-6 dilution (D) 100µl of the 10-7 dilution You incubate the plates for 24 hours, after which you obtain the following results: Plate Colonies on Plate A too many to count B) 685 C) 52 D) 4
How to Pass NAPLEX On Your First Try
How to study and pass NAPLEX? This is the question that arises in every graduate who wishes to become a registered pharmacist in the U.S. Especially for non-U.S. resident graduates who really suffer from respect to time and money. To pass NAPLEX is not that easy but you have to act smartly for good preparation. The NAPLEX. The North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam. It is the one test that every single pharmacy graduate has to pass in order to practice. Let us try to understand the background and composition of NAPLEX. NAPLEX Background The NAPLEX. The North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam evaluates the candidate’s knowledge of the practice of pharmacy. It is one of the procedures that the board of pharmacy uses to asses candidate competence to practice as a pharmacist. For beginners, I would recommend you visit the NAPLEX page on the NABP website. This is the official website of the National Association of Board of Pharmacy. You can find the latest information about registration costs and test availability. Before you get started I would recommend you download the NAPLEX Application Bulletin. You can find the updated bulletin on the NABP website. This bulletin guides each and everything which a candidate must know about NAPLEX. NABP keeps on updating the bulletin that is why I am not sharing the link over here. For all of you download the latest bulletin from the NABP website. It is a comprehensive guide of around 53 pages. Read the whole of it carefully. Make sure to focus on what to bring to the test center and type of IDs acceptable. Registration should match with your ID. Do not choose an ID which contradicts with your application name, for example, if someone register as John Mike Abraham and his ID is John Abraham. NAPLEX Test Composition The NAPLEX test consists of 250 questions. Out of 250 questions, 50 are the experimental base. These experimental questions are added for evaluation for use in future NAPLEX and hence do not affect your score. These experimental questions are mixed throughout the test so there is no way to guess which question is real or which is experimental. Let us see the test composition of NAPLEX. Multiple Choice Questions We all are familiar with these types of questions. In these questions, you have to select only the most appropriate answer. The best way to attempt these questions is to eliminate the irrelevant options and narrow down the options to 1 or 2. Multiple Response Questions A multiple response question is basically a multiple choice question: The questions allow participants to select multiple alternatives, and more than one of these can be correct. Multiple response questions are normally more difficult to answer compared to multiple-choice questions. The best way to handle these types of questions is to deal with each answer option as a true or false statement. Ignore everything else, and just evaluate each choice individually. This helps to reduce the “overwhelm” the multiple response questions can bring. Constructed Response These are fill in the blank questions. The example in the bulletin involves a calculation where you have to fill in the answer with the nearest whole number. Ordered Response For these questions, you have to highlight, drag, and order answer options in a particular order (such as highest to lowest). The example in the candidate bulletin involves the potency of topical corticosteroids. Hot Spot This is where you have a diagram where you have to use your computer mouse to identify something on the diagram (example in the bulletin is HIV life cycle). Just knowing what types of questions are possible decreases anxiety and therefore helps you prepare best. Remember one of the best ways to get ready for the exam is to practice, practice, practice, and practice some more. There are lots of sample questions on AccessPharmacy available for you to prepare. Keep working hard! Test time is just around the corner. NAPLEX Becoming Clinical Oriented You’ve probably heard that the NAPLEX has been getting more “clinical” over the years. This is true. There are more scenario-based questions where you are given a clinical case and asked to interpret questions about it. Don’t let your ego convince you that you don’t need to study that much. You need to prep for this exam like it’s the most important one you’ll take in your life (because quite possibly, it is). The goal of the NAPLEX is to make sure you can practice pharmacy without killing someone. You are more likely to get asked about a rare (but potentially fatal) side effect than you are to get asked about the 4th line of therapy in a patient with refractory hypertension and Stage 4 CKD. Remember that, and remember it well. Especially if you’re someone who is prone to talking yourself out of the answers you’ve picked. How Long to Study For NAPLEX? Depending on how intensely you study, I think you can prep for the NAPLEX in 2 – 4 weeks on average. Can you do it in less (or more) time? Yes, but it really just depends on your study style. Outside of the $575 you’re spending to take the exam, the NAPLEX is also one of the only things standing between you and a decent income. Waiting 45 days for a second attempt is only costing you money. Plus if you’re doing a residency, most programs require that you pass the NAPLEX so you can complete the “distribution” requirement of their program. Fail the NAPLEX more than once, and you may have a difficult conversation with your residency program director. So, my best advice is to study for the NAPLEX for as long as it takes you to feel over-prepared. Best to leave nothing to chance with so much at stake. For most people, this should be achievable in 2 – 4 weeks. My Recommended NAPLEX Preparation Guides RxPrep RxPrep offers everything you need in a NAPLEX review book. At more than 1000 pages, RxPrep is
05 Vitamins For Good Hair Growth
Good hair growth is a sign of a good health. On average, hair tends to grow between 0.5 and 1.7 centimeters per month. This is equivalent to around 0.2 to 0.7 inches. Bone marrow, which is the soft substance present inside the bones, is the only part of the body that grows faster than hair. Like any other part of your body, hair needs a variety of nutrients to be healthy and grow. In fact, many nutritional deficiencies are linked to hair loss. While factors such as age, genetics and hormones also affect hair growth, optimal nutrient intake is key. Stages of Hair Growth The stages of hair growth are as follows: Each follicle contains a hair root, which is made of cells of protein. As blood circulates around the body, it delivers oxygen and nutrients to the protein cells, which they need to multiply. The protein cells multiply, they build hair, which pushes up through the skin. The hair grows out of the skin, it passes an oil gland. This lubricates the hair with the oil it needs to stay soft and shiny. By the time the hair is long enough to come through the skin, it is dead. As a new hair grows underneath, it pushes the dead hair out of the skin. The hair then falls out or is shed. Below are 5 vitamins that may be important for hair growth. Vitamin A All cells need vitamin A for growth. This includes hair, the fastest growing tissue in the human body. Vitamin A also helps skin glands make an oily substance called sebum. Sebum moisturizes the scalp and helps keep hair healthy. Diets deficient in vitamin A may lead to several problems, including hair loss. While it’s important to get enough vitamin A, too much may be dangerous. Studies show that an overdose of vitamin A can also contribute to hair growth. Sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, spinach, and kale are all high in beta-carotene, which is turned into vitamin A. Vitamin A can also be found in animal products such as milk, eggs, and yogurt. Cod liver oil is a particularly good source. Your hair needs vitamin A to stay moisturized and grow. Good sources include sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale, and some animal foods. Vitamin B Family One of the best-known vitamins for hair growth is a B-vitamin called biotin. Studies link biotin deficiency with hair loss in humans. Although biotin is used as an alternative hair-loss treatment, those who are deficient have the best results. However, deficiency is very rare because it occurs naturally in a wide range of foods. There’s also a lack of data about whether biotin is effective for hair growth in healthy individuals. Other B-vitamins help create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. These processes are important for hair growth. You can get B-vitamins from many foods, including whole grains, almonds, meat, fish, seafood and dark, leafy greens. Additionally, animal foods are the only good sources of vitamin B12. So if you’re following a vegetarian or vegan diet, consider taking a supplement. B-vitamins help carry oxygen and nutrients to your scalp, which aids in hair growth. Whole grains, meat, seafood, and dark, leafy greens are all good sources of B-vitamins. Vitamin C Free radical damage can block the growth and cause your hair to age. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against the oxidative stress caused by free radicals. In addition, your body needs vitamin C to create a protein known as collagen — an important part of the hair structure. Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron, a mineral necessary for hair growth. Strawberries, peppers, guavas and citrus fruits are all good sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C is needed to make collagen and can help prevent hair from aging. Good sources include peppers, citrus fruits, and strawberries. Vitamin D Low levels of vitamin D are linked to alopecia, a technical term for hair loss. Research also shows that vitamin D may help create new follicles — the tiny pores in the scalp where new hair can grow. Vitamin D is thought to play a role in hair production, but most research focuses on vitamin D receptors. The actual role of vitamin D in hair growth is unknown. That said, most people don’t get enough vitamin D and it may still be a good idea to increase your intake. Your body produces vitamin D through direct contact with the sun’s rays. Good dietary sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, cod liver oil, some mushrooms, and fortified foods. Vitamin D’s actual role in hair growth is not understood, but one form of hair loss is linked to deficiencies. You can increase vitamin D levels through sun exposure or by eating certain foods. Vitamin E Similar to vitamin C, vitamin E is an antioxidant that can prevent oxidative stress. In one study, people with hair loss experienced a 34.5% increase in hair growth after supplementing with vitamin E for 8 months. The placebo group had only a 0.1% increase. Sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach and avocados are all good sources of vitamin E. Suggested Multivitamin Brands For Hair Growth Hairfluence (USA) Order Now Organic Hair Skin and Nails Vitamins for Women Order Now Biotin Order Now Conclusion All of the above vitamins are essential for good hair growth. Balance diet always keeps everything good. If you like this article do not forget to comment and share it with your friends.
Obesity And Associated Mental Issues
Introduction In 2016, the World Health Organization released a report, which estimates that around 20% of the world’s population is obese. WHO also expressed concern that if this rate is not overcome, the issue of overweight will increase in the next few decades. Today, obesity has become a global problem. The investigations carried out in this regard in Pakistan are also a cause for concern. According to a report published in the American Journal (Forbes Magazine), Pakistan ranks 165th among the 194 countries most affected by obesity. Obesity in Pakistan As such, Pakistan is also one of the countries with a large population of fertility and the majority is women aged between 15 and 40 years. Be clear that this is the period when physical changes are taking place in girls or they become mothers after marriage. However, the main reason for fattening in boys is the trend of marketed foods and the consumption of junk foods. In addition, when the population migrating from the countryside to the cities, the lifestyle becomes distant from nature. Factors which are making country people obese includes eating spicy foods, less work out and work hard. WHO Opinion About Obesity The World Health Organization says that mental problems are very closely linked to weight gain. For example, obesity prevalence is more common in children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder than in normal children. According to a Swedish study, people who suffer from depression are more likely to suffer from depression than those who are underweight. Similarly, people with mental illnesses are at higher risk of obesity. So fat people are more likely to suffer psychological problems. In light of these various investigations, it is reasonable to assume that weight gain can be attributed to a person which has a deep connection to mental health. And this relationship is bilateral, which has many causes. For example, fat people have negative and low self-esteem, they rarely move, that is, mostly sitting. Then, obesity causes biological disturbances within them, such people also refrain from meeting people and making friends. Several investigations have also revealed that obese people are more depressed. It includes a higher number of females, as they are more sensitive to their physical appearance. In contrast, men do not usually care about how they look to others. It is always an effort for women to look and feel attractive to all the women present at the ceremony. But generally overweight becomes a major obstacle to fulfilling this desire. Experts Opinion Experts say that people with mental or psychological problems can easily become obese because of their tendency to be obese. Because of this sluggishness and laziness, they prefer home-baked products or market-ready fast foods or poultry foods. These are available immediately, at home-made meals. Thus gradually their weight gains. These problems exacerbate if psychiatric or psychiatric patients also using certain drugs for their disease. Nevertheless, modern medical research and studies show that obesity, mental and psychological problems closely linked. Weight loss not only causes physical disorders but also causes mental and psychological problems. So if you want to live a healthy and happy life, you should worry about a slight increase in your weight. So, do not delay this matter. Also, contact with accredited mental health or nutritionist is essential in this regard, so that he or she can advise you on your mental and physical status for weight loss. Please do not forget to comment on this article below.