CALCULATING DRUG DOSAGES

Chapter 1: Safety in Medication Administration Castillo: Calculating Drug Dosages: A Patient-Safe Approach to Nursing and Math 2nd Edition MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. The following medication order is in the patient’s medication administration record (MAR): methylPREDnisolone 40 mg PO daily at 0900. After reading the order, the nurse correctly determines: A “PO” is an inappropriate abbreviation. B the medication order is written correctly. C 40 mg should be written as 40mg. D tall man lettering indicates that the drug is a narcotic. ANS: B Feedback The medication order has all the required components (drug name, dose, route, and frequency of administration) for a drug order. “PO” is an appropriate abbreviation; 40 mg is written correctly with a space between the dose and the unit of measurement. Tall man lettering is used to distinguish the drug from another drug with a similar name. 2. Which of the following accurately describes the “Boxed Warning” found on a drug label? A It is primarily is used to identify the safe dose for the patient. B It is commonly found on all drug labels. C It identifies serious potential risks and side effects related to drug use. D It protects the patient by providing information to decrease side effects. ANS: C Feedback A drug label with a boxed warning provides information to healthcare professionals and patients regarding the serious risks and side effects related to the drug. The Boxed Warning is not the primary source for identifying the patient’s drug dosage. The warning is found on specific prescription medications and does not provide information to reduce or decrease side effects. 3. When practicing safety in the administration of medication, for which of the following medication orders should a nurse seek clarification before the administration of the medication?