A patient is ordered 500 mg aspirin PO. Aspirin 250 mg tablets are available. How many tablets will the nurse administer?

This is a straightforward tablet dosage calculation. The ordered dose is 500 mg, and each available tablet contains 250 mg. Applying the formula: Desired ÷ Available = Number of tablets: 500 mg ÷ 250 mg = 2 tablets. Two tablets will provide exactly the ordered dose of 500 mg. Option 1.5 tablets would deliver 375 mg, which is less than the ordered dose and also impractical for a standard tablet unless it is scored. Option 1 tablet delivers only 250 mg, which is half the ordered dose. Option 3 tablets would deliver 750 mg, which is 250 mg above the ordered dose and constitutes an overdose. This type of calculation is one of the most fundamental in nursing dosage practice. When only two tablets are needed, it is both safe and practical. The nurse should also verify whether aspirin 500 mg could be dispensed as a single 500 mg tablet if available, but based on the information given, two 250 mg tablets is the correct answer. Always check available stock strength against the ordered dose before administering.