Question

a pharmacy technician is processing a prescription for albuterol sulfate (proair) 90 mcg per puff that reads, \take 1 puff po qid.\ the technician should identify that which of the following is the total daily dosage for this prescription?

180 mcg
360 mcg
450 mcg
270 mcg

Explanation:

Translate the prescription directions

Using the Medical Abbreviations and Prescription Translation knowledge points

• "Take 1 puff po qid"
• "po" means by mouth (orally)
• "qid" means four times a day (\(4 \times \text{daily}\))
• Total daily puffs: \(1 \text{ puff} \times 4 = 4 \text{ puffs/day}\)

Calculate the total daily dosage

Using the Dosage Calculations knowledge point

• Dose per puff: \(90 \text{ mcg}\)
• Total daily dose:

$$ 4 \text{ puffs/day} \times 90 \text{ mcg/puff} = 360 \text{ mcg/day} $$

Answer:

• (A) 180 mcg
• (B) 360 mcg (Correct answer)
• (C) 450 mcg
• (D) 270 mcg