Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

4 - PA 1 - Calculations > Chapter 8 > Flashcards

Chapter 8 Flashcards

Calculating Oral Medication Doses

1
Q

What is a dose?

A

The specific amount of medication to be administered at one time (e.g., 500 mg).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is dosage?

A

The total amount of medication prescribed over a period, including size, frequency, and number of doses.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Why is accurate dosing important?

A

To prevent medication errors that can harm patients and ensure effective treatment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Who is involved in ensuring correct medication dosing?

A

Physicians, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the Ratio and Proportion (R&P) method?

A

A mathematical method using cross-multiplication to find unknown quantities in dosing calculations.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

How do you set up a proportion using R&P?

A

Compare the known dose to the stock strength, e.g., e.g. 250 mg / 1 tablet = 500 mg / x tablets
​
.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is Dimensional Analysis (DA)?

A

A method that uses conversion factors to ensure units cancel appropriately, making calculations clearer.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

How do you use DA for medication calculations?

A

Start with the desired unit and use fractions to convert to the needed unit, e.g., 500 mg x (1 tablet / 250 mg) = 2 tablets

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are scored tablets?

A

Tablets that have a line down the middle and can be safely split into smaller doses.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are unscored tablets?

A

Tablets that should not be divided as it can affect their effectiveness.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are enteric-coated medications?

A

Medications designed to pass through the stomach without breaking down; they should not be crushed or chewed.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Why should capsules generally not be opened?

A

Opening capsules can alter how the medication is absorbed in the body.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the process for calculating solid oral medication doses?

A

Use R&P for single-step calculations and DA for multi-step problems involving different units.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is a conversion factor?

A

A ratio used to convert between different units of measurement (e.g., 1 g = 1000 mg).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How do you round medication doses?

A

Round to the nearest whole number or decimal place as appropriate for safe administration.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Why is it important to double-check calculations?

A

To catch any mistakes before administering medication, ensuring patient safety.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What should you do if you have doubts about a medication calculation?

A

Consult a pharmacist for clarification before proceeding.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the significance of patient safety in medication dosing?

A

Accurate calculations and proper administration are essential to minimize risks and ensure effective treatment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are the key steps in the medication dispensing process?

A

Verify the medication order, check labels three times, and ensure the correct dosage form is used.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the role of healthcare professionals in medication safety?

A

They work collaboratively to ensure that medications are administered safely and effectively.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What are oral medications?

A

Medications taken by mouth. They come in solid and liquid forms.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is a dose?

A

The amount of medicine to be given at one specific time.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is dosage?

A

The size, frequency, and number of doses of medication prescribed over a period of time.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Why is it important to calculate medication doses accurately?

A

Accurate calculations are essential for patient safety.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What are scored tablets?

A

Tablets with an indentation that allows them to be split into even halves or thirds.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What are enteric-coated tablets?

A

Tablets designed to pass through the stomach unchanged. They should never be divided, crushed, or chewed.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What are extended-release and delayed-release formulations?

A

Formulations designed to release medication slowly over time. They should generally not be crushed, chewed, or divided.

28
Q

What are buccal medications?

A

Medications placed between the gum and cheek.

29
Q

What are sublingual medications?

A

Medications placed under the tongue.

30
Q

Can capsules be crushed, chewed, or divided?

A

Most capsules should not be crushed, chewed, or divided. A few can be opened and sprinkled on food.

31
Q

What are the two main methods for calculating medication doses?

A

Ratio and Proportion (R&P) and Dimensional Analysis (DA)

32
Q

When is it best to use the Ratio and Proportion (R&P) method?

A

For single-step calculations.

33
Q

How do you set up a ratio and proportion equation?

A

Write the relationships as fractional units. Place known dose and dosage form on the left, unknown on the right. Units in numerators and denominators must be the same.

34
Q

What is the key rule to remember when using R&P?

A

Only cross-multiply and divide.

35
Q

When is Dimensional Analysis (DA) particularly useful?

A

For calculations with more than one step and when converting between units.

36
Q

How do you set up a dimensional analysis equation?

A

Start with the desired unit, then use fractions with known quantities and conversion factors to cancel out unwanted units.

37
Q

What is the key rule to remember when using DA?

A

Multiply fractions. Never cross-multiply.

38
Q

What are some important safety rules for calculating doses?

A

Recheck calculations.
○
Ask the pharmacist if you have questions.
○
Verify medication and dosage form.
○
Check labels three times.
○
Compare label to physician’s order.
○
Be aware of look-alike and sound-alike medications.
○
Know usual doses and check package insert if unsure.

39
Q

What should you do if your answer doesn’t seem right?

A

Recalculate. If still unsure, ask the pharmacist. Never fill an order if you have a question.

40
Q

Who is ultimately responsible for dispensing the correct medication?

A

The pharmacist.

41
Q

What are the common units of measurement used for solid oral medications?

A

Milligrams (mg)
○
Grams (g)
○
Grains (gr)

42
Q

What is a conversion factor?

A

A numerical relationship that allows you to convert between different units of measurement. For example, 1 gram (g) = 1000 milligrams (mg).

43
Q

When is a conversion factor needed?

A

When the medication order and the available medication are in different units of measurement.

44
Q

Which calculation method is best for multistep problems with conversions?

A

Dimensional Analysis (DA). It helps to keep track of units and make the entire conversion in one equation.

45
Q

What is the conversion factor for grains to milligrams?

A

1 grain (gr) = 60 milligrams (mg). This may be indicated in the problem or you may need to know it.

46
Q

A physician orders metformin 500 mg qam. Available stock is 500 mg tablets. How many tablets are needed for one dose?

A

Since the order and the stock strength are the same, only one tablet is needed.

47
Q

A physician orders metformin 1 g qam. The available stock is 500 mg tablets. How many tablets are needed?

A

Step 1: Convert grams to milligrams: 1 g = 1000 mg
○
Step 2: Set up the DA equation: tabs = (1 tab / 500 mg) * (1000 mg / 1 g) * 1 g = 2 tablets

48
Q

A physician orders phenobarbital gr 1/4 tid. The available stock is phenobarbital 15 mg tablets. How many tablets are needed for one dose?

A

○
Step 1: Convert grains to milligrams: gr 1 = 60 mg, so gr 1/4 = 15 mg
○
Step 2: Since the dose and stock strength are the same, only one tablet is needed.

49
Q

What happens if the calculated dose is not a whole number of tablets or capsules?

A

○
Round to the nearest whole number if the tablets are not scored.
○
Round to the nearest half-tablet if the tablets are scored.

50
Q

What are some examples of combination products?

A

Lotrel 2.5/10, which contains 2.5 mg of amlodipine and 10 mg of benazepril in each tablet.

51
Q

How should doses of combination products be ordered?

A

In equal multiples of each component. For example, Lotrel 5/20 is an acceptable dose because both components are doubled from the original strength.

52
Q

Provide an example of a medication order that cannot be filled with Lotrel 2.5/10 tablets.

A

Lotrel 3/10. This dose cannot be achieved using the 2.5/10 tablets because the amlodipine component is not in a multiple of 2.5.

53
Q

List five generic names of medications and their corresponding brand names from the sources.

A

○
phenytoin (Dilantin)
○
digoxin (Lanoxin)
○
clarithromycin (Biaxin)
○
pravastatin (Pravachol)
○
lorazepam (Ativan)

54
Q

List five more generic names of medications and their corresponding brand names from the sources.

A

○
zidovudine (Retrovir)
○
dexamethasone (Decadron)
○
quinapril (Accupril)
○
pregabalin (Lyrica)
○
sumatriptan (Imitrex)

55
Q

What is the difference between a dose and a dosage?

A

A dose is the amount given at one time, while dosage refers to the total amount prescribed over time, including frequency and duration.

56
Q

What factors must be considered when calculating medication doses?

A

Patient age, weight, medical conditions, and the specific medication’s characteristics.

57
Q

What is the significance of stock strength in medication calculations?

A

Stock strength indicates the concentration of the medication available, which is crucial for determining how much to dispense.

58
Q

How do you calculate the number of tablets needed if the ordered dose is higher than the stock strength?

A

Use R&P or DA to determine how many tablets or capsules are required to meet the ordered dose.

59
Q

What is the importance of checking for look-alike and sound-alike medications?

A

To prevent medication errors that could arise from confusion between similar drug names.

60
Q

What should be done if a calculated dose involves a fraction of a tablet?

A

Ensure that the tablet can be safely divided (e.g., scored tablets) and that the calculation does not alter the medication’s effectiveness.

61
Q

What are the common routes of administration for oral medications?

A

Tablets, capsules, solutions, and suspensions.

62
Q

What is the role of the pharmacist in medication dispensing?

A

The pharmacist verifies the accuracy of medication orders, checks for potential drug interactions, and ensures patient safety.

63
Q

What precautions should be taken when handling medications?

A

Maintain a distraction-free environment, double-check calculations, and follow safety protocols.

64
Q

How should medications be stored to maintain their effectiveness?

A

Store at controlled room temperature, protect from light and moisture, and follow specific storage instructions on the label.

65
Q

What is the significance of patient education regarding medication?

A

Educating patients about their medications helps ensure adherence, understanding of side effects, and proper usage.

66
Q
A

4 - PA 1 - Calculations (15 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions