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 quantity of medication prescribed does not align with the dosing instructions provided. The prescription specifies to use one vial four times a day for ten days, which totals 40 vials, while only 30 vials are being provided.
A) The package size is incorrect
This option is incorrect because the package size of 30 vials is appropriate for certain dosing regimens. However, in this case, the total prescribed over the treatment period exceeds this amount, indicating a discrepancy but not necessarily an incorrect package size.
B) The dosage is outside the appropriate range
This option is incorrect as the dosage of Ipratropium bromide/albuterol sulfate is within a standard range for nebulized treatments. The prescribed dose of 0.5 mg/3 mg is commonly used and does not suggest any issues with being outside the appropriate range.
C) This medication is only available as a metered-dose inhaler
This option is incorrect. Ipratropium bromide/albuterol sulfate is available in both nebulizer solution and metered-dose inhaler forms. The prescription clearly indicates a nebulizer solution, which is valid and available.
D) The quantity does not match the directions
This option is correct because the prescription indicates using one vial four times a day for 10 days, which would require 40 vials. However, only 30 vials are provided, necessitating clarification with the prescriber to address this discrepancy.
Conclusion
The correct answer is D, as it highlights the mismatch between the quantity prescribed and the dosage instructions, indicating a need for clarification. Options A, B, and C do not accurately reflect the issues present in the prescription, making them less relevant to the pharmacist's need to contact the prescriber.