Question

A physician writes a prescription for Proair HFA (albuterol sulfate) for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The instruction state: Inhale 1 to 2 puffs (90-180 mcg) q 4-6 hours. How many puffs will the patient take daily?

Answer 1

Answer:

1 puff every 4 hours for 24hrs = 6

1 puff every 6 hours for 24hrs =4

2 puffs every 4 hours for 24hrs =12

2 puffs every 6 hours for 24 hrs =8

Explanation:

24hrs/4hrs =6 times a day

24hrs/6hrs = 4 times a day

If 1 puff every 4-6 hours

1 puff every 4 hours for 24hrs = 6

1 puff every 6 hours for 24hrs =4

If 2 puffs every 4-6 hours

2 puffs every 4 hours for 24hrs =12

2 puffs every 6 hours for 24 hrs =8

Answer 2

There are 24 hours in a day
If the patient is doing two puffs of the inhaler every 6 hours, then they will be taking 8 puffs a day. If the patient is taking only one puff every 6 hours, then they will only be taking 4 puffs a day.

I personally don’t think there could be an exact answer for this question because depending on that person, they could be taking one puff and then decide to take two puff the next 4 to 6 hours.