The physician writes an order for furosemide (Lasix) 120 mg. Each table contains 40 mg. How many tablets would you administer?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To determine how many furosemide (Lasix) tablets you need to administer to meet the physician’s order of 120 mg, follow these steps:
Calculation
- Identify the Total Dose Needed:
The physician’s order specifies 120 mg of furosemide. - Determine the Strength of Each Tablet:
Each tablet of furosemide contains 40 mg. - Calculate the Number of Tablets Required:
To find out how many tablets are needed, divide the total dose required by the strength of each tablet: [
\text{Number of Tablets} = \frac{\text{Total Dose}}{\text{Strength per Tablet}} = \frac{120 \text{ mg}}{40 \text{ mg/tablet}} = 3 \text{ tablets}
]
Thus, you need to administer 3 tablets of furosemide to meet the 120 mg dose prescribed by the physician.
Explanation
1. Understanding Dosage Calculations:
Dosage calculations are a critical skill in nursing and pharmacy practice. Accurate calculations ensure that patients receive the correct amount of medication, avoiding both underdosing and overdosing, which can lead to ineffective treatment or adverse effects.
2. Units and Conversion:
The units involved here are milligrams (mg). The physician’s order and the tablet strength are both expressed in mg, making the calculation straightforward. When different units are involved, such as milliliters (mL) for liquid medications or different strengths, additional conversion steps might be needed.
3. Practical Application:
In practice, the calculation method used here—division of the total dose by the dose per tablet—is a fundamental approach. It is crucial to double-check calculations and ensure that the correct number of tablets is administered. This practice helps prevent medication errors.
4. Verification:
Always verify calculations with another nurse or reference if there is any doubt. In clinical settings, accurate dosing is essential for patient safety. Additionally, review the medication administration guidelines and protocols specific to your facility to ensure compliance with best practices.
By performing this calculation, healthcare professionals can ensure that they are administering the correct amount of medication, thereby providing effective and safe patient care.