Correct dosage?

Abstract

In the case study in the article, “Managing Patients With Acute Thyrotoxicosis” (February 2002:62), the “patient was given 40 mg of propranolol intravenously and then was given 2 mg of hydrocortisone intravenously every 6 hours. Propranolol was continued on an as-needed basis for heart rate greater than 100/min.” Am I correct in assuming that the dosages of these 2 drugs are reversed? This matter came to my attention recently because this dose of propanolol was ordered postoperatively by a surgeon (not a cardiologist or medical management physician) and I questioned it because the dose of propanolol is 1 to 2 mg intravenous slowly. I am hoping this is an error in the case study, but we should also be aware of errors in physician orders.Thank you for your letter concerning the article titled, “Managing Patients With Acute Thyrotoxicosis.” You are absolutely correct in assuming that the dosages of these 2 medications were reversed. I apologize for the misprint and thank you for following up with Critical Care Nurseregarding your astute observation. The sentence in the case study should read: The patient was given 2 mg of propranolol intravenously and then was given 40 mg of hydrocortisone intravenously every 6 hours. Propranolol was continued on an as-needed basis for heart rate greater than 100/min.