71. A pharmacy receives the following prescription Ipratropium bromide/albuterol sulfate inhalation solution 0.5 mg/3 mg 3 mL nebulizer vials in a carton of 30 Inh 1 vial q.i.d. x 10 days #30. The prescriber should be contacted because:
Answer: D
The quantity does not match the directions
The prescriber should be contacted because the quantity prescribed does not align with the directions given. The prescription indicates using one vial four times a day for ten days, which totals to 40 vials, but only 30 vials are supplied.
A) The package size is incorrect
This option is incorrect because the package size of 30 vials is appropriate based on the medication's typical packaging. The issue lies not in the package size itself, but in the number of vials needed for the prescribed duration.
B) The dosage is outside the appropriate range
This option is incorrect as the dosage of Ipratropium bromide/albuterol sulfate in the prescription is within the standard therapeutic range for this medication. The focus of the issue is not on the dosage but rather on the quantity required for treatment.
C) This medication is only available as a metered-dose inhaler
This option is incorrect because Ipratropium bromide/albuterol sulfate is available in various formulations, including nebulizer solutions as indicated in the prescription. Thus, this statement does not accurately reflect the medication's availability.
D) The quantity does not match the directions
This option is correct as the quantity of 30 vials is insufficient for the prescribed regimen of using one vial four times daily for ten days, which would require a total of 40 vials. Therefore, contacting the prescriber is necessary to clarify the quantity.
Conclusion
The correct answer is option D, as the quantity prescribed does not match the required quantity based on the directions, necessitating clarification from the prescriber. Options A, B, and C do not address the specific issue of quantity, which is the critical factor in this scenario.