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: Dexamethasone \(4 \mathrm{mg}\) p.o. \(\mathrm{q} 6 \mathrm{~h}\). Available: Dexamethasone tablets labeled \(2 \mathrm{mg}\)______.

Short answer

2 tablets are needed per dose.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Dosage Requirement

The prescribed dosage is 4 mg of Dexamethasone to be taken orally every 6 hours.

Determine Tablet Strength Available

The available Dexamethasone tablets have a strength of 2 mg each.

Calculate Number of Tablets per Dose

To achieve the 4 mg dosage, calculate the number of 2 mg tablets needed. Divide the required dose of 4 mg by the available tablet strength of 2 mg: \( \frac{4 \, \text{mg}}{2 \, \text{mg/tablet}} = 2 \, \text{tablets} \).

Check the Calculation

Double-check the calculation by multiplying the number of tablets by the available strength: \( 2 \, \text{tablets} \times 2 \, \text{mg/tablet} = 4 \, \text{mg} \), confirming that the calculation is correct.

Key concepts

Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the science of how drugs interact with the body and how the body affects drugs. Understanding pharmacology is essential for healthcare professionals, especially for tasks such as medication dosage calculations and ensuring safe and effective patient care.
This field covers various key concepts, including the mechanism of action, therapeutic effects, side effects, and contraindications of medications.
In this exercise, we are dealing with Dexamethasone, which is a type of corticosteroid medication used to reduce inflammation and suppress immune responses. Knowledge about such medications helps in understanding why specific dosages are necessary and what effects can be expected in patients.

Math Skills in Nursing

Math skills are a vital component of nursing education. Nursing professionals frequently use mathematics to ensure the correct administration of medications to patients.
For instance, to determine how many tablets of a given strength are needed to match a prescribed dose, basic arithmetic and principles of division are employed.
In the given exercise, the ability to divide the required medication dosage by the strength of the available tablet is crucial. The calculation ensures that the patient receives the exact prescribed dose, which is essential for their safety and the medication's efficacy.

• Dosage Calculation Formula: Required dosage / available strength = number of tablets or capsules needed
• Always verify calculations to reduce the risk of medication errors.

A solid foundation in basic math and consistent practice is key to maintaining proficiency in dosage calculations.

Medication Administration

Medication administration is a critical part of nursing practice and patient care. It involves preparing and giving medicine to achieve therapeutic effects.
Ensuring the correct dose is given at the right time and by the right route (in this exercise, orally) is part of this responsibility.
Here are essential steps in medication administration:

• Verification of the prescription against the medication order
• Assessment of the patient for allergies and contraindications
• Proper calculation of the correct dosage
• Monitoring the patient for any adverse reactions post-administration

In this scenario, correctly interpreting the order to administer 4 mg of Dexamethasone every 6 hours and calculating that 2 tablets of the available 2 mg strength will be used per dose is central to safe practice. This ensures that any therapeutic intervention reflects the intended purpose of treatment.

Clinical Calculations

Clinical calculations involve a range of mathematical operations used to tailor medical treatments to individual patients, including drug dosing, IV flow rates, and more.
Precision in these calculations is key to avoiding overdoses or under-doses, each of which can have significant negative health impacts.
For the medication dosage calculations presented in the exercise:

• Understand the prescription: 4 mg Dexamethasone to be taken every 6 hours.
• Available strength: 2 mg per tablet.
• Apply calculation: Divide the prescribed dose (4 mg) by the tablet strength (2 mg per tablet) to determine that 2 tablets are required for one dose.

It's also crucial to verify results, ensuring that calculations accurately align with the ordered dosage. Consistent checks and balances in this calculation process are a nurse's safeguard against medication errors, showcasing the importance of clinical calculations in effective healthcare delivery.