Using conversion factors, solve each of the following clinical problems: b. A patient needs 0.024 g of a sulfa drug. There are 8-mg tablets in stock. How many tablets should be given?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Convert the required dose from grams to milligrams. Since 1 gram is equal to 1000 milligrams, multiply 0.024 grams by 1000 to get the dose in milligrams.
2. Determine the number of tablets needed by dividing the total dose in milligrams by the milligrams per tablet. Use the formula: $\text{Number of tablets}=\frac{\text{Total dose in mg}}{\text{Dose per tablet in mg}}$.
3. Substitute the values into the formula: $\text{Number of tablets}=\frac{\text{Total dose in mg}}{8\text{ mg/tablet}}$.
4. Perform the division to find out how many tablets are required to meet the 0.024 g dose.
5. Ensure the result is a whole number, as you cannot administer a fraction of a tablet. If necessary, round up to the nearest whole number.

Key Concepts

Conversion Factors

Conversion factors are ratios that express how one unit of measurement relates to another. They are essential in solving problems that require unit changes, such as converting grams to milligrams. In this case, knowing that 1 gram equals 1000 milligrams allows for accurate calculations when determining the required dosage.

Dosage Calculation

Dosage calculation involves determining the correct amount of medication a patient should receive based on their needs and the available medication form. This requires understanding the prescribed dose, the concentration of the medication, and the units involved. In the given problem, calculating how many 8-mg tablets are needed to meet a 0.024 g requirement is a practical application of this concept.

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is the process of converting a quantity expressed in one unit to another unit. It is crucial in clinical settings to ensure accurate medication administration. In this scenario, converting grams to milligrams is necessary to align the prescribed drug amount with the available tablet dosage, ensuring the patient receives the correct treatment.