Question

Interpret the following orders. Use either administer or give at the beginning of the sentence. Prednisone \(10 \mathrm{mg}\) p.o. every other day.

Short answer

Give Prednisone 10 mg orally every other day.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Medication

The medication prescribed here is Prednisone, a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. It is commonly used in conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and autoimmune diseases.

Determine the Dosage

The dosage given in the order is 10 mg. It's important for this to be accurately measured and administered as prescribed to ensure effectiveness while minimizing side effects.

Review the Route of Administration

The order specifies 'p.o.', which stands for 'per os,' meaning the medication should be taken orally. This indicates that the medication is to be swallowed, usually in the form of a tablet or capsule.

Understand the Frequency

'Every other day' means that the medication is administered one day and not the next, continuing this pattern. It is important to keep track of the days to avoid giving the medication on consecutive days.

Compose the Instruction

Combine all elements to form the final instruction: 'Give Prednisone 10 mg orally every other day.' This covers what medication, the dosage, the route, and the frequency of administration.

Key concepts

Dosage Calculation

Dosage calculation is a fundamental aspect of medication administration, ensuring the right amount of medication is provided to the patient. It involves determining the correct dose, based on the prescribed order, keeping both effectiveness and safety in mind.
Accuracy in dosage calculation is crucial to avoid underdosing, which might lead to ineffective treatment, or overdosing, which can cause harmful side effects.

• Identify the prescribed dose: In the example provided, the dosage given is 10 mg of prednisone.
• Convert units if necessary: Ensure the dosage is in the correct unit as prescribed. In this case, 'mg' (milligrams) is already an appropriate unit of measure for prednisone tablets.
• Use appropriate calculation methods: Depending on the form of the medication (e.g., liquid, tablet), different methods of calculation may be applied. For tablets, you're consistent with the count, but for liquids, you may need to measure in milliliters (mL).

Proper dosage calculation ensures the medication achieves its desired effect efficiently, while minimizing risks associated with incorrect dosing.

Route of Administration

The route of administration refers to the path by which a drug is taken into the body. It plays a significant role in the medication's effectiveness and the patient's treatment experience.
In the provided example, Prednisone is administered 'p.o.' or "per os," indicating the oral route of administration. This route is one of the most common and convenient ways for medication delivery.
When administering drugs orally:

• Ensure the patient can swallow the medication comfortably, especially in cases of swelling or sore throat.
• Verify that the medication is swallowed whole, unless the prescription specifies otherwise. Crushing or opening capsules may alter the drug's effectiveness or absorption rate.
• Offer water to aid in swallowing and absorption.

The chosen route must align with the medication's formulation, potency, and the patient's condition. Oral administration is simple but requires adherence to instructions to ensure the drug's integrity and effectiveness.

Corticosteroid Medication

Corticosteroids are a class of drugs used to reduce inflammation and suppress immune system activity. Prednisone, the corticosteroid mentioned in the example, is commonly prescribed for conditions like arthritis, asthma, and autoimmune diseases.
Corticosteroids mimic the effects of hormones produced by your adrenal glands, particularly the anti-inflammatory cortisol.
Some key points about corticosteroids include:

• They can be highly effective in reducing inflammation and immune responses.
• They may have side effects, particularly when used long-term, such as weight gain, increased risk of infections, or weakened bones.
• Gradual dosing and tapering off are often necessary to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Understanding how corticosteroids work helps in managing their benefits and risks, ensuring patients receive maximum therapeutic effects with minimal adverse reactions.