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: Lasix \(30 \mathrm{mg}\) p.o. every day at \(9 \mathrm{AM}\). Available: Scored tablets (can be broken in half) ______

Short answer

1.5 half-tablets of 40 mg each (equals 1 full + 1 half tablet) are needed.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Dosage Requirement

You need to determine how many milligrams of Lasix the patient needs to take. According to the order, the patient needs 30 mg of Lasix per day.

Review Available Tablets

The available dosage form is scored tablets. This means each tablet can be split into half. The exact milligram concentration of each tablet is not specified, which typically should be provided in real scenarios.

Determine the Dosage Per Tablet

Assume that each tablet is common at a standard dose of 40 mg as it is a known dosage concentration. Given that these tablets can be split, this means each half-tablet is 20 mg.

Calculate the Number of Tablets Needed

Since the ordered dose is 30 mg, and each half-tablet provides 20 mg, calculate how many half-tablets are needed. The patient will need one and a half 20 mg tablets to reach a total of 30 mg.

Convert the Required Dosage to Tablets

Since 30 mg is needed and each half-tablet is 20 mg, the patient will need one full tablet (40 mg), but only 30 mg is required. Therefore, break one full tablet in half and use 1 full tablet + 1/2 another tablet.

Key concepts

Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the science of how drugs interact with the body and affect physiological functions. Understanding pharmacology is crucial for health professionals to ensure the safe and effective use of medications. It involves studying drug classification, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, potential side effects, and interactions with other substances.
In this case, Lasix, which is a brand name for the drug furosemide, is a diuretic. Diuretics help rid the body of excess salt and water by increasing urine production. This action is beneficial for patients with conditions like hypertension or heart failure. Knowing how Lasix works helps healthcare providers decide if it's appropriate for a patient's condition and how it should be dosed.

Dosage Forms

Dosage forms refer to the physical form of a medication, such as tablets, capsules, liquids, or injections. Each form is designed for optimal delivery of the medication to the body. For Lasix, the dosage form available is a scored tablet, which can be split in half for more precise dosing.
The choice of dosage form can affect how the drug is absorbed and how quickly it acts. Tablets are a common solid dosage form, providing a convenient and portable option for patients. When dealing with scored tablets, healthcare providers have the flexibility to adjust dosages as needed, which is especially useful when specific doses like 30 mg are required.

Mathematical Calculations

Mathematical calculations are crucial in determining the correct dosages of medications. These calculations ensure that patients receive the appropriate amount of medication for their specific needs.
In the Lasix example, the ordered dose is 30 mg per day. Given that the available tablets are typically 40 mg and can be split in half, each half-tablet delivers 20 mg of the drug. The calculation involves determining how many half-tablets are needed to reach the required 30 mg. In this scenario, a patient needs one full tablet (providing 40 mg) split to provide one whole 40 mg tablet and half of another, equating to 30 mg in total. Performing these calculations accurately helps prevent under or overdosing.

Medication Administration

Medication administration involves the methods used by healthcare providers to give medications to patients. It's essential for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of treatment plans. In this exercise, administering Lasix requires calculating the correct dosage and using the scored tablets to achieve it safely.
The administration route in this scenario is oral (p.o.), which stands for "per os" or "by mouth." It's one of the most common and straightforward methods of medication administration, provided the patient can swallow and there are no contraindications. Proper administration also requires understanding how to accurately split tablets if only a portion of the medication is needed.

Health Professions Education

Health professions education equips future healthcare providers with the skills they need to effectively care for patients. This education covers a wide array of topics, including pharmacology, dosage calculations, and medication administration.
Understanding how to calculate and administer correct dosages is a fundamental aspect of training for nurses, pharmacists, and doctors. Education programs focus on building competences like these to promote safe patient care. By mastering these skills, healthcare providers can better ensure that medications like Lasix are administered aptly, achieving desired therapeutic outcomes while minimizing risks.