Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)PharmacologyMedium
A physician orders furosemide 60 mg PO daily. The pharmacy dispenses tablets labeled 20 mg. How many tablets should the medical assistant instruct the patient to take per dose?
- A4 tablets
- B1 tablet
- C2 tablets
- D3 tablets
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 3 tablets
To calculate the number of tablets, divide the desired dose by the dose per tablet. Desired dose is 60 mg. Available dose per tablet is 20 mg. So, 60 mg / 20 mg/tablet = 3 tablets.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect; 4 tablets would be 80 mg.
- B. Incorrect; 1 tablet would be 20 mg.
- C. Incorrect; 2 tablets would be 40 mg.
Tablet Dosage Calculation
To determine the number of tablets to administer, divide the ordered dose by the strength of each tablet.
- Formula: Desired Dose / Dose per Tablet = Number of Tablets.
- Ensure units are consistent (e.g., mg to mg).
- Always verify the strength of the dispensed medication.
Memory trick: Tablets Take The Total