Question

Calculate the following dosages using the medication label or information provided. Label answers correctly: tabs, caps, mL. Answers expressed in milliliters should be rounded to the nearest tenth where indicated. Order: Cipro \(1.5 \mathrm{~g}\) p.o. \(\mathrm{q} 12 \mathrm{~h}\). Available: Cipro tablets labeled \(750 \mathrm{mg}\)

Short answer

2 tablets every 12 hours

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Order

The ordered medication dosage is 1.5 grams of Cipro to be taken orally every 12 hours.

Convert Grams to Milligrams

Since the available dosage is in milligrams and the order is in grams, we need to convert grams to milligrams. There are 1000 milligrams in a gram, so:\[1.5 \text{ grams} = 1.5 \times 1000 = 1500 \text{ milligrams}\]

Determine Tablet Requirement

Now, we need to find out how many tablets of 750 mg each are required to make up the 1500 mg dose. Divide the total required milligrams by the milligrams per tablet:\[\frac{1500 \text{ mg}}{750 \text{ mg/tablet}} = 2 \text{ tablets}\]

Label the Answer

The correct answer is the number of tablets required for the order, which must be labeled according to the question's requirements. Therefore, the patient needs to take 2 tablets every 12 hours.

Key concepts

Medication Administration

Administering medication is a crucial part of healthcare, ensuring patients receive the correct dosage, at the appropriate times, and through the right methods. When you receive a medication order, several key details must be noted: the medication name, dosage, route of administration, and the frequency or timing of doses. For example, in the provided order for Cipro, the instructions specify 1.5 grams of medication to be taken orally every 12 hours. This outlines the parameters for administration: the type (Cipro), the quantity (1.5 grams), the method (orally), and the timing (every 12 hours).

Correctly understanding and executing these instructions ensures efficacy and patient safety. Misinterpretation can lead to underdosing or overdosing, which can result in ineffective treatment or adverse effects. Therefore, careful reading and verification of medication orders are vital steps before any administration.

Unit Conversion

In pharmacology, medication orders can often use different units from what is available, making unit conversion essential. When a medicine is ordered in grams but available in milligrams, a conversion is necessary to determine the correct amount to administer. This requires an understanding of the relationship between units and applying simple math.

To convert grams to milligrams, remember the equivalence: 1 gram equals 1000 milligrams. Therefore, for a medication order of 1.5 grams, multiply this by 1000 to convert it into milligrams: \[1.5 ext{ grams} \times 1000 = 1500 ext{ mg}.\]

Once converted, these milligrams are used to determine the number of tablets or doses needed, ensuring the patient receives the precise amount ordered by the healthcare provider.

Pharmacology Concepts

Pharmacology involves understanding how medications work, their effects, side effects, and interactions. It is fundamental for healthcare providers to comprehend these concepts to make informed decisions in patient care.

For instance, Cipro is an antibiotic from the fluoroquinolone class, used to treat bacterial infections. Knowing its pharmacological properties helps in understanding the context of its prescription—such as its optimal dosing and timing necessary to maintain therapeutic levels in the bloodstream without reaching toxic levels. Proper dosing intervals, like the "every 12 hours" directive in the order, help maintain these levels.

Additionally, recognizing possible side effects and interactions with other medications or foods is important for monitoring patient responses and adjusting treatment as needed. Hence, a solid grasp of pharmacology concepts is vital in ensuring both effective treatment and patient safety.