71. A pharmacy receives an order for mesalamine CR 1000 mg q.i.d. How many 250 mg capsules would be required for a 24-hour period?
Answer: C
16 capsules of 250 mg are required for a 24-hour period.
To meet the ordered dosage of mesalamine CR 1000 mg four times a day (q.i.d.), a total of 4000 mg is needed each day. Since each capsule contains 250 mg, dividing the total daily requirement by the amount per capsule yields the necessary quantity.
A) 4
This option is incorrect because if only 4 capsules of 250 mg were used, the total dosage would only amount to 1000 mg for the day, which does not meet the prescribed 4000 mg.
B) 12
This option is also incorrect. Using 12 capsules of 250 mg would provide a total of 3000 mg for the day, which is still insufficient compared to the required 4000 mg dosage.
C) 16
This option is correct. To achieve the required total of 4000 mg, 16 capsules of 250 mg each should be utilized, as 16 multiplied by 250 mg equals 4000 mg, fulfilling the prescribed dosage.
D) 25
This option is incorrect. If 25 capsules of 250 mg were used, the total would be 6250 mg for the day, which exceeds the required 4000 mg and is not necessary.
Conclusion
The calculation confirms that 16 capsules of 250 mg are required to meet the total daily dosage of 4000 mg for mesalamine CR. Options A, B, and D fail to provide the correct amount needed, while Option C accurately satisfies the prescription requirement.