Question

Read the medication labels where available, and calculate the number of tablets or capsules necessary to provide the dosage ordered. Include the label on your answer. Order: Motrin \(0.6 \mathrm{~g}\) p.o. q6h p.r.n. for pain. Available: Motrin tablets labeled \(300 \mathrm{mg}\)______.

Short answer

The patient needs 2 tablets per dose.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Dosage Units

The order is given in grams (g), but the available medication is in milligrams (mg). We need to convert 0.6 grams to milligrams for consistency in units.

Convert Grams to Milligrams

Since 1 gram is equal to 1000 milligrams, we convert 0.6 grams to milligrams as follows: \[0.6 \text{ g} \times 1000 \text{ mg/g} = 600 \text{ mg} \]

Identify Medication Strength

The available Motrin tablets are labeled as 300 mg each. This information is crucial to determine how many tablets are needed to reach the required dosage.

Calculate the Number of Tablets

To find out how many 300 mg tablets are needed to make 600 mg, divide the required dosage by the strength of one tablet: \[ \frac{600 \text{ mg}}{300 \text{ mg/tablet}} = 2 \text{ tablets} \]

Summary of Calculation

To provide a dosage of 0.6 grams (or 600 mg) of Motrin, 2 tablets of the available 300 mg strength are required each time.

Key concepts

Unit Conversion

Dosage calculations often require converting between different units to ensure accuracy. In the example provided, the doctor prescribed 0.6 grams of Motrin, while the available tablets are measured in milligrams. Understanding how to change between units is vital. For example:

• 1 gram = 1000 milligrams
• 1 kilogram = 1000 grams

For our problem, converting 0.6 grams to milligrams is essential so both the prescribed and available units match:\[0.6 \text{ g} \times 1000 \text{ mg/g} = 600 \text{ mg} \]Unit conversion is a foundational step in pharmacology calculations. It is important to practice these conversions, as they are frequently encountered in medication dosage calculations, ensuring that the patient receives the correct amount of medication.

Medication Dosage

Calculating the correct dosage is crucial for medication to be effective and safe. In our scenario, Motrin was ordered at a dosage of 0.6 grams, equivalent to 600 milligrams after conversion. Medication dosage focuses on matching the doctor’s prescription with the available form of the medication. Here’s how to approach it:

• Identify the prescribed dosage: In our case, 0.6 grams or 600 mg is ordered.
• Examine the strength of the available formulation: We have 300 mg tablets.
• Determine how many units (tablets, capsules) are required to meet the dosage.

For Motrin, you divide the total required dosage, 600 mg, by the strength of one tablet, 300 mg:\[\frac{600 \text{ mg}}{300 \text{ mg/tablet}} = 2 \text{ tablets}\]This ensures that the patient receives the exact amount prescribed every six hours, as needed for pain.

Pharmacology Calculations

Pharmacology calculations combine unit conversion and dosage determination with clinical decision-making to ensure patient safety and drug efficacy. They are a critical component of pharmaceutical practice. These calculations require:

• Accuracy: Ensuring correct conversion between units and correct dosage measurement to prevent underdosing or overdosing.
• Understanding: Recognizing the relationship between the ordered dose, the available strength, and the delivery method.
• Precision: Calculating the exact number of doses needed to meet the ordered amount without error.

In our exercise, this means converting the ordered dose into an understandable format, recognizing the strength of the available tablets, and calculating precisely how many tablets are required. Through mastering these skills, healthcare professionals can provide the highest level of care, ensuring medications are administered safely and effectively, based on the specific needs of each patient.