Question

Interpret the following orders. Use either administer or give at the beginning of the sentence. Mylicon \(80 \mathrm{mg}\) p.o. p.c. and bedtime.

Short answer

Give 80 mg of Mylicon orally after each meal and at bedtime.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Medical Abbreviations

To interpret the medical order, first identify the meaning of the abbreviations: - 'p.o.' stands for 'per os', which means orally or by mouth. - 'p.c.' means 'post cibum', which translates to after meals. - 'Mylicon' is a medication given to relieve gas symptoms.

Determine the Dosage and Frequency

The order specifies 'Mylicon 80 mg', which means the patient should receive 80 milligrams of the medication per dose. The instruction 'after meals and at bedtime' indicates when the medication should be given: after each meal and once at bedtime.

Formulate the Instruction

Using the identified components, formulate the instruction starting with either 'administer' or 'give'. According to the order, the instruction is: 'Give 80 mg of Mylicon orally after each meal and at bedtime.'

Key concepts

Medical Abbreviations

Medical abbreviations are shorthand representations widely used in the medical field to save time and space when writing prescriptions or communicating information. They are crucial for medical professionals, as they help convey complex information quickly and efficiently. However, for someone new to the medical field, these abbreviations can be confusing. Let's break down some common abbreviations to make them more understandable.

• 'p.o.': This abbreviation is derived from the Latin term "per os," meaning "by mouth." It is often used to indicate that a medication should be taken orally.
• 'p.c.': Also a Latin term, "post cibum" translates to "after meals." This tells the patient when to take their medication in relation to meal times.

Understanding these abbreviations is crucial for accurately interpreting and executing medical orders. Mistakes with interpretation could lead to serious patient safety issues. Medical abbreviations simplify long and complex instructions, ensuring clarity and precision in medical orders. Familiarizing yourself with these terms is an essential skill if you are pursuing a career in healthcare.

Dosage Calculation

Dosage calculation is a vital skill in health care, ensuring that patients receive the correct amount of medication for their condition. It involves understanding both the prescribed dosage and the frequency of administration. Miscalculating a dose can lead to under-treatment or harmful overdose. Here's what you need to know for effective dosage calculations:

• Understanding the Prescribed Dosage: In our example, 'Mylicon 80 mg' signifies that each dose should be 80 milligrams. This measurement refers to the weight of the active substance in the medication.
• Frequency of Administration: The phrase 'after each meal and at bedtime' specifies the timing for giving the medication. This translates to administering the medicine four times a day: after breakfast, lunch, dinner, and at bedtime.

Calculating dosages accurately requires careful reading of the prescription to ensure the correct amount is given at the right time. Practicing dosage calculations and familiarizing yourself with common terms and units can help build confidence in this essential task.

Medication Administration

Medication administration is the process of giving a drug to a patient in adherence to a physician's prescription. It involves several crucial steps to ensure that the medication is delivered safely and effectively. In the given exercise, the administration instruction begins with either 'give' or 'administer,' signifying the action to be taken. Here's a concise breakdown:

• Formulating the Instruction: In our example, the instruction was formulated as "Give 80 mg of Mylicon orally after each meal and at bedtime." This specifies both the amount and timing clearly, to ensure proper administration.
• Route of Administration: The term 'orally' indicates that the medication is to be taken by mouth. Knowing the correct route is essential for the medication’s effectiveness, as different medications are designed for specific routes of absorption.

Clear communication and accurate execution of medication orders are critical for patient safety. It is important to double-check all details against the prescription and follow any additional safety protocols, like confirming patient identity before administration. By understanding these key components, healthcare professionals can effectively manage and deliver patient treatment.