Question

The physacian orders Lasix (furosemide) \(40 \mathrm{mg}\) p.o. for a client who has fluid volume excess. The medication label states: Lasix \(20 \mathrm{mg}\) per scored tablet. How many tablet(s) should the nurse administer? a. \(1 / 2\) tablet b. I tablet c. 2 tablets d. 3 tablets

Short answer

The nurse should administer 2 tablets.

Step-by-step solution

Determine the prescribed dose

Read the physician's order to identify the amount of medication prescribed. The order specifies the patient needs to take 40 mg of Lasix (furosemide).

Read the medication label

Check the medication label to determine the concentration of the medication per tablet. The label indicates that each scored Lasix tablet contains 20 mg of the active ingredient.

Calculate the number of tablets

Divide the prescribed dose by the dosage strength per tablet to find out how many tablets the patient needs. In this case, divide 40 mg by 20 mg per tablet.

Key concepts

Medication Administration

Medication administration in a clinical setting is a critical component of nursing care and involves ensuring that patients receive the correct dosage of medication at the appropriate time. One of the fundamental skills in medication administration is reading and interpreting medication orders precisely. Understanding the order is crucial, as the nurse must verify several details, including drug name, dosage, route, and frequency.

For instance, when a physician orders Lasix (furosemide) for a patient with fluid volume excess, it’s imperative to notice whether it’s meant to be taken orally (p.o.) or via another route of administration. Errors can lead to adverse patient outcomes, thus accuracy in this step cannot be overstated. After accurately interpreting the order, nurses must administer the correct amount by effectively utilizing tools such as a medication cup, syringe, or counting tablets, as with the case of furosemide, which is tablet-based.

Dosage Calculation

Dosage calculation is an essential skill for nurses, requiring a thorough understanding of math concepts applied to a clinical context. It ensures the safety and effectiveness of the treatment that patients receive. Nurses must be able to convert units of measurement, calculate dosages, and prepare correct medication amounts.

In the example provided, the calculation process starts with identifying the ordered dose of medication. The physician's order states a required dose of 40 mg of furosemide. Then, by reading the medication label, you would find the concentration of the medication provided per unit, which in this case is 20 mg per tablet. The final step involves mathematical calculation: divide the ordered dose (40 mg) by the concentration (20 mg/tablet), leading to the answer of 2 tablets. Proper calculation is crucial to avoid medication errors and to ensure patient safety.

Nursing Fundamentals

Nursing fundamentals encompass the core principles and skills necessary for safe and effective patient care. These include a wide range of competencies, from communication and patient assessment to infection control and ethical considerations. Among these, the principles of pharmacology, including understanding drug effects, side effects, and interactions, are essential for medication administration.

Nurses must also be familiar with the laws and standards that govern nursing practice to ensure legal and professional accountability. This includes maintaining accurate and complete documentation of all medications administered, which is a key component of patient safety and quality of care. In our Lasix administration example, correct documentation would include the dose, time, route, and any observations related to the drug’s effect on the patient’s fluid volume excess.