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: Phenobarbital \(60 \mathrm{mg}\) p.o. at bedtime. Available: Scored phenobarbital tablets (can be broken in half) labeled \(30 \mathrm{mg}\) ______.

Short answer

Take 2 of the 30 mg tablets at bedtime.

Step-by-step solution

Read and Understand the Order

The medication order prescribes phenobarbital at a dosage of 60 mg to be taken orally at bedtime.

Analyze the Available Medication

The available medication are scored tablets of phenobarbital, each labeled as 30 mg. The tablets can be split into halves if needed.

Determine the Required Dosage

Since the prescription is for 60 mg and each available tablet contains 30 mg, calculate how many tablets are necessary to make up the required dosage.

Perform the Calculation

You need to provide a total of 60 mg. Since each tablet provides 30 mg, you need to take 2 such tablets to achieve the required dosage: \(2 \times 30 \mathrm{mg} = 60 \mathrm{mg}\).

Formulate the Conclusion

To meet the ordered dosage of 60 mg, the patient will need to take 2 of the 30 mg tablets at bedtime.

Key concepts

Pharmacology Education

Learning about pharmacology is crucial for anyone involved in healthcare, particularly those administering medications. It involves understanding how drugs interact with the body and how they can be used to treat various conditions. In pharmacology education, you not only learn about the effects of drugs but also their side effects and contraindications. This foundational knowledge is crucial to ensuring the safe use of medications. Grasping medication orders and prescriptions is a key part of pharmacology training. It prepares students and professionals alike to accurately interpret and fulfill prescriptions. This knowledge needs to be comprehensive; understanding drug classifications and how different drugs might interact with each other are also vital components. By focusing on these areas, healthcare professionals can maintain high standards of patient safety and care.

Dosage Calculation Steps

Dosage calculations are a core part of safe medication administration. Here's how you can approach these calculations effectively:

• Understanding the Medication Order: Begin by clearly understanding the prescription. For instance, if a prescription states Phenobarbital 60 mg, every detail is crucial to the correct dosage calcuation.
• Review the Available Medication: Once you know what's required, check what's available. Like in our scenario, you need to know if you're working with 30 mg tablets.
• Calculation: With all the information in hand, calculate how to meet the prescribed dosage using the available tablets. If one tablet contains 30 mg, you'll need to combine two tablets to reach the prescribed 60 mg. This simple multiplication ensures precision: \(...2 \times 30 \mathrm{mg} = 60 \mathrm{mg}...\)
• Confirm and Implement: Always double-check your math and verify with another nurse or a pharmacist if needed. Accuracy is paramount to avoid medication errors.
• Label Appropriately: Once calculated, ensure the correct labeling and documentation for anyone else who might be involved in the patient's care.

Calculating dosages accurately is a fundamental aspect of medication administration, ensuring therapeutic effectiveness and minimizing risks of adverse effects.

Medication Administration

Administering medication accurately is a critical responsibility in healthcare settings. It involves not just the technical act of giving medication but also ensuring the right patient, drug, dose, route, and time are adhered to. This is commonly known as the "Five Rights" of medication administration.

• The Right Patient: Confirm the patient's identity using two identifiers, such as name and date of birth, before administering the medication.
• The Right Drug: Check the medication label and the order to ensure the correct drug is administered.
• The Right Dose: Use accurate dosage calculation to provide the correct amount of medication.
• The Right Route: Ensure the medication is given via the correct route as indicated in the order, such as orally, intravenously, or topically.
• The Right Time: Administer the medication at the correct time, adhering to the prescribed schedule.

Following these guidelines helps to prevent medication errors and ensures the safety and efficacy of the treatment plan. Additionally, effective communication and documentation are essential components of medication administration, aiding in continuity of care and patient safety.