Question 42

24 prefilled 5 ml oral syringes must be dispensed to provide a 72-hour supply.

To determine the quantity of prefilled oral syringes needed, one must calculate the total dosage required over 72 hours. Since guaifenesin syrup is taken as 2 tablespoons (30 ml) twice a day (b.i.d.), the total for 72 hours amounts to 72 ml, which translates to 24 prefilled 5 ml syringes.

A) 6

Option A is incorrect because dispensing 6 syringes would only provide a total of 30 ml (6 syringes x 5 ml), which is insufficient for the required dosage over 72 hours.

B) 12

Option B is also incorrect as dispensing 12 syringes would provide a total of 60 ml (12 syringes x 5 ml). This amount is still inadequate to meet the 72-hour requirement of 72 ml.

C) 24

Option C is correct since dispensing 24 syringes provides a total of 120 ml (24 syringes x 5 ml), which exceeds the required 72 ml for the 72-hour period. This ensures that the patient receives the necessary amount of medication.

D) 36

Option D is incorrect because dispensing 36 syringes would result in 180 ml (36 syringes x 5 ml). This is significantly more than needed and may lead to overmedication.

Conclusion

The correct answer is option C, as it accurately provides the necessary quantity of medication for a 72-hour supply without exceeding the required dosage. Options A, B, and D do not meet the dosage needs or provide excessive quantities, thus confirming that only option C is appropriate for this scenario.