Question

Interpret the following orders. Use either administer or give at the beginning of the sentence. Septra DS tab 1 p.o. daily.

Short answer

Administer Septra DS, one tablet by mouth daily.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Medication

The order is for 'Septra DS'. Septra DS is a brand name for a medication that contains sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, commonly used as an antibiotic to treat bacterial infections.

Identify the Dosage Form

The order specifies 'tab', which means tablet. Therefore, Septra DS is to be given in a tablet form.

Determine the Route of Administration

The order states 'p.o.', which stands for 'per os', a Latin term meaning 'by mouth'. This indicates that the medication is to be taken orally.

Determine the Frequency of Administration

The order includes the term 'daily', indicating that the medication should be administered once every day.

Construct the Instruction

Using the gathered information, form a complete instruction for administering the medication: 'Administer Septra DS, one tablet by mouth daily.'

Key concepts

Dosage Form

When it comes to medication administration, **dosage form** is a key concept. It refers to the physical form of the medication being prescribed. Common dosage forms include tablets, capsules, liquids, and more. In the example provided, Septra DS is in a **tablet** form. This is significant because each dosage form has unique properties that affect how the medication works in the body.
Tablets, for instance, are designed to dissolve in the stomach, allowing the medication to be absorbed in the bloodstream. The choice of dosage form can influence the speed and efficiency of the drug's effect.
Key considerations when dealing with dosage forms include:

• Ease of administration to the patient
• Proper storage requirements
• The onset and duration of action desired
• Patient adherence to medication schedule

Route of Administration

The **route of administration** refers to how a medication is taken into the body. It is a critical component of medication orders. Depending on the type of medication and the condition being treated, doctors might choose from various routes such as oral, intravenous, or topical.
For the given order, "p.o." which stands for "per os," indicates an **oral route of administration.** This means the patient must swallow the tablet, and it will pass through the digestive system before being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Different factors might influence the chosen route of administration:

• Speed of drug action required
• Patient's health needs and preferences
• Whether the drug requires alteration by digestion
• Potential side effects associated with different routes

Understanding the route of administration is critical for ensuring the medication is given correctly and effectively.

Medication Frequency

**Medication frequency** specifies how often a medication should be taken. This is a crucial aspect because it helps maintain the correct levels of the drug in the body, ensuring its effectiveness and minimizing side effects. The term "daily" in the medication order means the patient must take their medication once every day.
Appropriate medication frequency is essential for:

• Maintaining steady drug levels in the bloodstream
• Enhancing therapeutic effects while avoiding toxicity
• Helping patients remember to take their medication

In some cases, taking medication at the same time each day is vital for effectiveness. If unsure about the schedule, patients should always consult their healthcare provider for the best outcome.

Oral Medication

**Oral medications** are among the most common dosage forms due to their convenience and ease of administration. When a prescription indicates that a medication is to be "taken by mouth," it involves swallowing a pill, capsule, or liquid.
Oral medications like Septra DS are preferred for several reasons:

• Non-invasive and easy to administer compared to injections
• Usually more comfortable for the patient
• Suitable for a wide variety of medications

However, while convenient, the effectiveness of oral medications can be influenced by various factors, such as food intake, digestive health, or even time of day. It's important to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions precisely – including whether to take the medication with food or on an empty stomach – to ensure optimal results.