A nurse is caring for a client who reports taking 1 Tbsp of guaifenesin oral solution every 4 hr. The concentration on the client’s bottle reads guaifenesin 100 mg/5 mL. How many mg of guaifenesin is the client taking with each dose? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)
The correct answer and Explanation is :
To calculate the amount of guaifenesin the client is taking with each dose, we start by understanding the concentration provided on the medication bottle.
The concentration of guaifenesin is given as 100 mg per 5 mL. To find out how much guaifenesin is in 1 tablespoon (Tbsp), we need to convert tablespoons to milliliters because the concentration is in mg/mL.
1 tablespoon is approximately equal to 15 mL.
Now, we can determine how many mg of guaifenesin are in 15 mL:
- Calculate the concentration:
- Concentration: 100 mg in 5 mL.
- Find out how many mg are in 1 mL:
[
\text{mg per mL} = \frac{100 \text{ mg}}{5 \text{ mL}} = 20 \text{ mg/mL}
] - Calculate the amount in 15 mL:
[
\text{Amount in 15 mL} = 20 \text{ mg/mL} \times 15 \text{ mL} = 300 \text{ mg}
]
Therefore, with each dose of 1 Tbsp, the client is taking 300 mg of guaifenesin.
Explanation
Guaifenesin is an expectorant commonly used to help relieve chest congestion. The concentration on the medication bottle indicates how much active ingredient is present in a specific volume of liquid, allowing healthcare professionals and patients to understand the dosage being administered.
In this scenario, it is critical for nurses and healthcare providers to calculate dosages accurately to ensure patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness. Administering the correct dose can significantly impact a patient’s treatment outcome, especially for medications used in respiratory conditions.
In clinical practice, ensuring that patients understand their medications, including how to measure their doses correctly, is vital. Educating clients about converting measurements and recognizing the importance of adhering to prescribed doses can help improve adherence and overall health outcomes. This approach emphasizes the nurse’s role not just in administration but also in patient education and safety.