Question 79

16 capsules of 250 mg are required for a 24 hour period.

To fulfill the order of mesalamine CR 1000 mg to be taken four times a day (q.i.d.), a total of 4000 mg is needed daily. Since each capsule contains 250 mg, dividing 4000 mg by 250 mg yields the total number of capsules required.

A) 4

This option is incorrect because if only 4 capsules of 250 mg were used, it would only provide a total of 1000 mg for the day, which does not meet the required 4000 mg dosage.

B) 12

This option is also incorrect. Twelve capsules of 250 mg would yield 3000 mg, which is still insufficient to meet the 4000 mg needed for the prescribed dosage of mesalamine.

C) 16

This option is correct. By taking 16 capsules of 250 mg, the total dosage would amount to 4000 mg, which aligns perfectly with the prescribed requirement of mesalamine CR 1000 mg q.i.d.

D) 25

This option is incorrect as well. If 25 capsules of 250 mg were used, the total dosage would be 6250 mg, which exceeds the required 4000 mg and is not necessary for the patient’s treatment.

Conclusion

The correct answer of 16 capsules effectively meets the total daily requirement of 4000 mg for mesalamine CR, ensuring proper dosing as prescribed. All other options fall short or exceed the necessary dosage, demonstrating that they do not satisfy the requirements of the medication order.