A client receives a prescription for dextromethorphan 30 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed for cough.
The bottle is labeled “Dextromethorphan for Oral Suspension, USP 30 mg per 15 mL”.
How many tablespoons should the nurse instruct the client to take within each dose? (Enter numerical value only).
The correct answer and Explanation is :
To determine how many tablespoons the nurse should instruct the client to take for each dose of dextromethorphan, we first need to convert the dose from milliliters (mL) to tablespoons.
Given:
- The prescribed dose is 30 mg of dextromethorphan.
- The concentration is 30 mg per 15 mL of the suspension.
Since the concentration of the medication is 30 mg in 15 mL, this means that 15 mL corresponds to one full dose. Thus, when the client is instructed to take 30 mg, they would take the full 15 mL of the suspension.
Next, we need to convert mL to tablespoons. The conversion factor is:
- 1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 15 mL.
Therefore, 15 mL is equivalent to 1 tablespoon.
Now, we can summarize:
- The client is prescribed 30 mg of dextromethorphan, which is provided as 30 mg in 15 mL.
- The entire dose of 30 mg is equivalent to 15 mL.
- Since 15 mL equals 1 tablespoon, the client should take 1 tablespoon for each dose.
Final Answer: 1
In clinical practice, ensuring the correct dosage is essential for the efficacy and safety of medication administration. It is crucial for nurses to provide clear instructions regarding medication dosages, especially when they involve conversions, to prevent any potential medication errors. When counseling patients, it’s beneficial to reinforce the importance of adhering to prescribed dosages and timing, while also encouraging them to report any adverse effects or concerns. This communication promotes safe medication practices and helps ensure that patients achieve the desired therapeutic outcomes.