Question

Order: Benadryl \(100 \mathrm{mg}\) p.o. at bedtime. Available: Benadryl capsules labeled \(50 \mathrm{mg}\) ______

Short answer

2 capsules are needed.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Required Dose

The doctor's order is for Benadryl 100 mg to be taken orally at bedtime.

Identify the Available Dosage Form

The available Benadryl comes in capsules that are labeled 50 mg each.

Calculate the Number of Capsules Needed

To fulfill the order of 100 mg, calculate how many 50 mg capsules are needed. Use the formula: \[\text{Number of Capsules Needed} = \frac{\text{Required Dose}}{\text{Dose per Capsule}}\]Substitute the known values: \[\text{Number of Capsules Needed} = \frac{100 \text{ mg}}{50 \text{ mg/capsule}} = 2 \text{ capsules}\]

Verify Your Calculation

Verify that taking 2 capsules at 50 mg each indeed sums up to the required 100 mg: \[2 \times 50 \text{ mg} = 100 \text{ mg}\] This confirms the calculation is correct.

Key concepts

Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the study of how drugs interact with the body. It encompasses understanding the origins, properties, and effects of medications. When discussing Benadryl, this falls under **antihistamines**, which are used to treat allergies by blocking histamine pathways. Learning pharmacology helps you understand how different medications, like Benadryl, work within the body. It focuses on:

• Mechanisms of action: Understanding how drugs produce their effects.
• Therapeutic uses: Knowing what conditions a drug can treat.
• Side effects: Awareness of potential adverse reactions.

By grasping these concepts, you can better appreciate why specific doses are necessary and how they help achieve desired outcomes.

Medication Dosing

Medication dosing involves determining the appropriate amount of a drug that achieves therapeutic effects without causing harm. In this exercise, the order is for a 100 mg dose of Benadryl. Accurate medication dosing is crucial for effective treatment and involves balancing efficacy with safety. Key aspects include:

• Dosage formulation: Knowing whether it is in pill, capsule, or liquid form.
• Health conditions: Considering any specific factors like allergies or organ functions.
• Patient factors: Age, weight, and other health conditions can influence dosing.

Understanding dosing also includes learning to calculate doses when the available medication differs from the prescribed dosage, ensuring correct administration.

Math Skills

Math skills are essential in healthcare, especially when it comes to dosage calculations. In this scenario, calculating the number of 50 mg Benadryl capsules needed for a 100 mg dose requires division, a fundamental math operation. First, identify the prescription requirement (100 mg). Next, determine the available form (50 mg capsules). Then, use the formula: \[\text{Number of Capsules Needed} = \frac{\text{Required Dose}}{\text{Dose per Capsule}}\] Substitute the values to find: \[\text{Number of Capsules Needed} = \frac{100 \, \mathrm{mg}}{50 \, \mathrm{mg/capsule}} = 2 \, \mathrm{capsules}\] Being proficient in these calculations ensures safety and avoids medication errors.

Medication Administration

Medication administration is the process of giving a drug to a patient following a prescribed order. It's a critical aspect of nursing and healthcare practice. Here, it includes administering Benadryl 100 mg at bedtime in two 50 mg capsules. Proper medication administration ensures:

• Accuracy: Confirming the correct drug is given in the right dose.
• Timing: Ensuring the medication is given at the correct time, like bedtime in this scenario.
• Documentation: Properly recording the administration in patient records.
• Patient education: Instructing the patient on what the medication is for and its potential effects.

These steps help safeguard against errors and ensure patient health and safety.