NursingSprint

Step 1: Identify the ordered dose and available tablet strength

Ordered dose = 20 mg

Available tablet strength = 40 mg/tablet

Step 2: Use the formula to calculate number of tablets to administer

Formula:

Tablets = Dose (mg) ÷ Tablet strength (mg/tablet)

Calculation:

Tablets = 20 ÷ 40 = 0.5 tablets

Step 3: Round the final answer to the nearest tenth

Rounded Tablets:

0.5 tablets

Final Answer:

0.5 tablets

Educational Insight

Quinapril is an ACE inhibitor used to treat hypertension and heart failure, and it is essential to administer the exact dose prescribed to prevent hypotension or insufficient therapeutic effect. By dividing the prescribed dose by the available tablet strength, nurses determine the correct portion of a tablet to administer. Rounding to the nearest tenth is standard for medications that can be safely split, ensuring accurate dosing without requiring a full tablet.