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: Baclofen $20\mathrm{mg}$ p.o. t.i.d. Available: Scored baclofen tablets (can be broken in half) labeled $10\mathrm{mg}$.______.

Short answer

6 tablets a day, taken as 2 tablets per dose, t.i.d.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Order

The doctor has ordered Baclofen with a dosage of 20 mg to be taken orally (p.o.) three times a day (t.i.d.). This means the patient needs to take 20 mg of Baclofen each dose, three times a day.

Available Medication

The medication available is Baclofen tablets, each labeled as containing 10 mg. Additionally, these tablets are scored, which means they can be safely divided into two equal parts.

Calculate Number of Tablets Per Dose

To deliver a single dose of 20 mg with the available 10 mg tablets, you need to determine how many tablets are required. Since each tablet contains 10 mg, you will need two tablets to achieve a 20 mg dose.

Confirm Dosage Availability

Check if the tablets can be split, which is necessary in cases of needing half doses. Here however, each full tablet provides 10 mg, and two full tablets will provide exactly 20 mg, matching the prescribed dose without requiring splitting.

Verify Total Daily Dosage

Since the prescription is t.i.d. (three times a day), multiply the number of tablets required per dose (2 tablets) by three doses, totaling 6 tablets per day.

Key concepts

Pharmacology Education

Pharmacology is an essential area of study for healthcare professionals, especially those involved in patient care, like nurses and pharmacists. It focuses on the interaction of drugs with living organisms to understand the effects, mechanisms, and therapeutic uses of various medications.

Key elements of pharmacology education aim to enhance awareness of how medications are developed, tested, and approved for use. This knowledge is crucial for safe and effective drug use. Students in pharmacology learn about:

• The chemical properties of drugs
• Mechanisms of action and metabolism within the body
• Potential side effects and adverse reactions
• Drug interactions
• Dosing and administration protocols

Understanding how different medications, like Baclofen, should be administered helps ensure that patients receive the correct dosage for effective treatment. Additionally, knowing the properties of Baclofen, such as its use in muscle relaxation, is crucial when calculating dosages and understanding its effects on patients.

Nursing Calculations

Accurate medication dosage calculations are critical in nursing to prevent medication errors and ensure patient safety. Nurses rely heavily on calculations to determine the correct amount of medication to administer based on the doctor's orders.

To perform accurate nursing calculations, one must carefully read the prescription details, such as the dosage required and the frequency, which in this case is Baclofen 20 mg taken three times a day. From there, the nurse must assess the available medication. Upon spotting tablets with a dosage of 10 mg, a quick calculation is essential to ensure a total of 20 mg is given per dose.

Calculation steps include:

• Assessing the prescription dosage: Know the dosage required per intake.
• Understanding the available form: Each Baclofen tablet contains 10 mg.
• Perform the mathematics: To reach 20 mg, simply take two 10 mg tablets for every dose.

Ensuring precise nursing calculations prevents over or under-medication which could lead to adverse effects or ineffective treatment.

Drug Administration

Drug administration involves the correct delivery of medication to a patient. This process is crucial in ensuring that the patient receives the intended benefits of the medication while minimizing potential risks.

Pill or tablet-based medications like Baclofen are typically administered orally and require careful reading of labels and prescriptions. The healthcare provider needs to verify the correct dose given the patient's prescription. For Baclofen, which needs a 20 mg dose each time, and considering tablets are only 10 mg, the provider must correctly calculate that two tablets per dose are necessary.

Steps in safe drug administration include:

• Verification of patient identity to prevent errors.
• Assessment of the right medication and dose according to the prescription.
• Ensuring the frequency aligns with the doctor's order (t.i.d. meaning three times a day).
• Monitoring patient's responses for efficacy and any adverse effects.

Proper drug administration ensures therapeutic effectiveness while reducing the risk of complications associated with incorrect dosage.