Question

Order: Tranxene \(30 \mathrm{mg}\) p.o. b.i.d. Available: Tranxene tablets labeled \(15 \mathrm{mg}\) ______

Short answer

2 tablets per dose, 4 tablets per day.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the Prescription Order

The prescription order is for Tranxene, at a dosage of 30 mg to be taken by mouth (p.o.) twice a day (b.i.d.). This means the total daily dose prescribed is 60 mg.

Examine the Medication Available

Tranxene is available in 15 mg tablets. This information tells you how much drug is in each individual tablet.

Calculate Number of Tablets Per Dose

Each dose requires 30 mg of Tranxene. Since the available tablets are 15 mg each, you need to determine how many tablets give you one dose of 30 mg. Divide 30 mg by 15 mg per tablet: \[ \frac{30 \text{ mg}}{15 \text{ mg per tablet}} = 2 \text{ tablets} \] This means 2 tablets are needed for each dose.

Calculate Total Tablets Per Day

Since the medication is to be taken twice a day, multiply the number of tablets per dose by the number of doses per day:\[ 2 \text{ tablets per dose} \times 2 \text{ doses per day} = 4 \text{ tablets per day} \]

Key concepts

Prescription Analysis

Understanding a prescription involves knowing how to read and analyze it to ensure safe and accurate medication administration. When analyzing prescriptions:

• Identify the medicine's name (e.g., Tranxene), dosage (e.g., 30 mg), and route of administration (e.g., p.o., which means by mouth).
• Note the dosing schedule; b.i.d. means the medication is to be taken twice a day, thus requiring the patient to take a total of 60 mg daily in the given case.

This step is crucial because any misunderstanding could lead to incorrect dosage and potential harm to the patient.

Dosage Conversion

Converting dosage is key when prescribed and available dosages differ. Begin with the prescribed dose per intake and adjust according to what's available. Here's how to manage dosage conversion effectively:

• Determine the required dosage per intake by referring to the prescription—in this exercise, it is 30 mg.
• Check the available form of the medication; here, Tranxene is only available in 15 mg tablets.
• Calculate the number of tablets per dose by dividing the required dosage (30 mg) by the strength of available tablets (15 mg). This yields 2 tablets per dose.

Being adept at dosage conversion helps ensure patients receive accurate doses, preserving the therapeutic effect and safety.

Pharmacology Mathematics

Pharmacology mathematics involves using calculations to accurately dose medications. These math skills are vital in healthcare settings:

• First, calculate how much medication is needed per dose and per day (here, 2 tablets per dose and 4 tablets per day).
• Understanding and applying basic math skills such as division and multiplication are essential for precise dosing.

In this case study, after converting 30 mg into tablet form, we multiply by the frequency of the doses per day (2 times a day), gathering the total consumption required daily (4 tablets). Mastery of these calculations minimizes errors in drug administration.

Drug Administration Guidelines

Adhering to drug administration guidelines ensures the correct delivery of medications. When discussing administration:

• Ensure the medication is taken following the route specified in the prescription (e.g., p.o. means orally).
• Verify that the dosing schedule aligns with the physician's order, such as b.i.d. (twice per day), to maintain therapeutic drug levels.
• Follow protocols for timing, technique, and assessment to confirm that the patient experiences no adverse effects.

These guidelines are vital to avert medication errors and guarantee patient safety. In summary, healthcare providers rely on clear prescriptions, exact calculations, and adherence to protocols to deliver effective medication therapy.