Which dosage strength, if transcribed onto the medication order sheet, would the nurse question?

A. Injected into the subcutaneous tissue: Subcutaneous injections deliver medication into the fatty tissue under the skin. This route is not appropriate for a sublingual order and would prevent rapid absorption through the oral mucosa.

B. Placed between the gum and lining of the cheek: This describes the buccal route, which allows absorption through the cheek lining. While similar to sublingual, it is not the intended route for a sublingual medication, which must be placed under the tongue for rapid systemic absorption.

C. Placed under the tongue: Sublingual administration involves placing the medication beneath the tongue, allowing it to dissolve and absorb directly into the bloodstream. This route bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and first-pass metabolism, providing rapid onset of action.

D. Inhaled through the nasal mucosa: Nasal administration delivers medication through the respiratory mucosa and is not appropriate for sublingual drugs. Using this route would result in improper absorption and therapeutic effect.

A. mcg/15 mL: Writing the strength as “mcg/15 mL” is incomplete because it does not specify the actual amount of drug per 15 mL. This could lead to dosing errors, as the patient order must clearly indicate the exact micrograms per milliliter.

B. 1 mcg/1 mL: This correctly represents the concentration of the solution, clearly showing that each milliliter contains 1 microgram of calcitriol. It provides precise guidance for accurate dosing.

C. 1 mcg per 1 mL: This phrasing is clear and unambiguous, specifying the exact amount of drug in each milliliter. It is an acceptable way to document the dosage strength.

D. 1 mcg/Ml: Despite the lowercase “l” for milliliter, this notation still accurately communicates the concentration. While proper capitalization is preferred, it does not significantly risk misinterpretation.