Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)PharmacologyHard
A physician orders levothyroxine 0.1 mg PO daily for a patient with hypothyroidism. The medication is available in 50 mcg tablets. How many tablets should the medical assistant administer?
- A0.5 tablets
- B1 tablet
- C4 tablets
- D2 tablets
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 2 tablets
First, convert the ordered dose to the same unit as the available dose: 0.1 mg = 100 mcg. Then, divide the desired dose by the available dose: 100 mcg / 50 mcg/tablet = 2 tablets.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 0.5 tablets would be 25 mcg, which is an underdose.
- B. 1 tablet would be 50 mcg, which is an underdose.
- C. 4 tablets would be 200 mcg (0.2 mg), which is an overdose.
Unit Conversion Dosage Calc
When calculating dosages, always convert units to be consistent before performing the division.
- 1 mg = 1000 mcg.
- Unit conversion is a common source of error.
- Double-check conversions and calculations.
Memory trick: Convert First, Then Divide, for the Right Amount to provide.