The PHCP prescribes 30 mg of phenobarbital by mouth, once daily. The medication label reads phenobarbital 10 mg tablets. The nurse prepares to administer how many tablet(s) per dose?

The PHCP prescribes 30 mg of phenobarbital by mouth, once daily. The medication label reads phenobarbital 10 mg tablets. The nurse prepares to administer how many tablet(s) per dose?

• A. 1 tablet
• B. 2 tablets
• C. 3 tablets
• D. 4 tablets

Answer: (C)

Dividing the prescribed dose by the tablet strength determines how many tablets are needed. With 30 mg prescribed and each tablet providing 10 mg, you calculate 30 ÷ 10 = 3. So three tablets are required per dose. Since 30 mg is an exact multiple of 10 mg, there’s no need to split tablets.

Dividing the prescribed dose by the tablet strength determines how many tablets are needed. With 30 mg prescribed and each tablet providing 10 mg, you calculate 30 ÷ 10 = 3. So three tablets are required per dose. Since 30 mg is an exact multiple of 10 mg, there’s no need to split tablets.