Which rule should be followed when writing metric notations for medication dosages?
Use a leading zero before a decimal point
Write fractions instead of decimals
Place the unit of measurement before the number
include a trailing zero after a whole number
The Correct Answer is A
A. Use a leading zero before a decimal point: A leading zero (e.g., 0.5 mg) prevents misinterpretation of the decimal as a whole number, reducing the risk of tenfold dosing errors and promoting safe medication administration.
B. Write fractions instead of decimals: Fractions are prone to misinterpretation and calculation errors, making them unsafe for documenting medication dosages.
C. Place the unit of measurement before the number: Standard practice places the numeric value first, followed by the unit (e.g., 5 mL), to ensure clarity and prevent confusion.
D. Include a trailing zero after a whole number: Trailing zeros (e.g., 5.0 mg) are unsafe because they can be misread as ten times the intended dose; they should be avoided in medication notation.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Draw up regular insulin first, then NPH insulin: Regular insulin is clear and must be drawn up before NPH to prevent contamination of the regular insulin vial with the cloudy NPH. This maintains accurate dosing and preserves the pharmacologic integrity of the short-acting insulin.
B. Draw up NPH insulin first, then regular insulin: Drawing up NPH first risks contaminating the regular insulin vial with NPH, which can alter absorption and onset. This can lead to unpredictable glucose control and medication error.
C. Mix both insulins in the vial before drawing up: Insulins should never be mixed in the vial because this changes their individual action profiles. Mixing in the syringe after proper draw-up technique is the safe and accepted method.
D. Use separate syringes for each insulin type: Separate syringes are unnecessary when mixing compatible insulins like regular and NPH. Using one syringe reduces injections while still allowing accurate dosing when drawn up correctly.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. 2 tablespoons: Two tablespoons equal 30 mL, which would double the prescribed dose. Giving this amount could lead to overdosing and increase the risk of adverse effects.
B. 1 teaspoon: One teaspoon is equivalent to 5 mL. This would provide only one-third of the prescribed 15 mL dose, resulting in underdosing and reduced therapeutic effect.
C. 1/2 tablespoon: Half a tablespoon equals 7.5 mL, which is only half of the ordered dose. This amount would not meet the prescribed medication requirement.
D. 1 tablespoon: One tablespoon is equal to 15 mL. This directly matches the prescribed dose and is the correct household measurement for accurate medication administration.
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