Question

Order: Meclizine HCl (Antivert) \(25 \mathrm{mg}\) p.o. every day. Available: Meclizine tablets labeled \(12.5 \mathrm{mg}\)

Short answer

Take 2 tablets of 12.5 mg each to meet the 25 mg order.

Step-by-step solution

Determine the Required Dosage

First, identify the ordered dosage for the medication. The order specifies that 25 mg of Meclizine HCl is required per dose.

Identify the Strength per Tablet

Check the medication label to see how much Meclizine is contained in each available tablet. Here, each tablet contains 12.5 mg of Meclizine HCl.

Calculate the Number of Tablets Needed

To find out how many tablets are needed to provide the ordered dose, divide the ordered dosage by the strength per tablet. \[ \text{Number of tablets} = \frac{25 \text{ mg}}{12.5 \text{ mg/tablet}} = 2 \text{ tablets} \]

Verify the Calculation

Double-check the calculation to ensure accuracy. The ordered dose is 25 mg, and each tablet is 12.5 mg, thus: \( 2 \times 12.5 \text{ mg} = 25 \text{ mg} \), confirming that 2 tablets are correct.

Key concepts

Mathematical Conversions in Healthcare

Mathematical conversions in healthcare are essential for calculating the correct medication dosage. Calculating doses accurately requires understanding the relationship between different measurement units and the formulation strengths of medications. For example, if a doctor prescribes a certain amount of medication, it is crucial to convert this correctly into the number of tablets or volume of liquid needed for administration.
In cases where the dose strength differs from the available form, a conversion must be performed. Here’s a simple guide to help apply these conversions:

• Always start by identifying what the doctor has ordered and compare it to what is available.
• Carefully read the medication label for the exact strength and form, whether it is in milligrams, milliliters, or any other unit.
• Use a straightforward calculation to convert between units or adjust the forms—such as dividing the required dose by the strength of each tablet to determine how many are needed.

By mastering these conversions, healthcare professionals can ensure patients receive the correct dosage promptly and safely.

Medication Administration

Medication administration involves the careful preparation and delivery of a prescribed medication to a patient. This process is critical for therapeutic outcomes and patient safety. Understanding medication administration requires several key steps:

• **Check the Prescription:** Review the medication orders for the correct drug, dose, route, and timing. This ensures that the patient receives the correct treatment.
• **Prepare the Dose:** Based on the calculation (e.g., determining how many tablets represent the required dosage), prepare the exact amount of medication.
• **Administer Safely:** Follow proper techniques depending on the route, such as orally, which was specified as "p.o" (by mouth) in the exercise.

With thorough medication administration, healthcare providers can minimize errors and deliver optimal care to patients, aligning treatment with prescribed plans.

Dosage Accuracy Verification

Once you have completed the dosage calculation, verifying accuracy is crucial. Dosage accuracy verification serves two main purposes: ensuring patient safety and maintaining treatment efficacy.
To verify your dosage calculations, follow these steps:

• **Re-evaluate Your Math:** Double-check every calculation step, ensuring your method aligns with the prescription and available medication strength.
• **Confirm with Peer or Software:** If possible, cross-verify your results with a colleague or a trusted dosage calculator tool. Many healthcare settings integrate electronic calculators for dosage accuracy.
• **Review Patient Documentation:** Check the patient’s medical records for any changes in prescription or potential contraindications that might affect the dosage.

Ensuring you get this step right prevents underdosing or overdosing, which could lead to ineffective treatment or adverse effects. Thus, accurate verification protects patients and supports effective medical interventions.