A physician ordered 0.250 mg of Lanoxin. You have 0.125 mg tablets on hand. How many tablets will be given?

A physician ordered 0.250 mg of Lanoxin. You have 0.125 mg tablets on hand. How many tablets will be given?

• A. 1
• B. 1 1/2
• C. 2
• D. 2 1/2

Answer: (C)

You’re being tested on converting a dose to the number of tablets by using the strength per tablet. To deliver 0.25 mg with tablets that are 0.125 mg each, divide the ordered dose by the tablet strength: 0.25 mg ÷ 0.125 mg per tablet = 2 tablets. So two tablets are needed because 2 × 0.125 mg equals 0.25 mg. If only one tablet were given, you'd deliver 0.125 mg; three tablets would be 0.375 mg, exceeding the order.

You’re being tested on converting a dose to the number of tablets by using the strength per tablet. To deliver 0.25 mg with tablets that are 0.125 mg each, divide the ordered dose by the tablet strength: 0.25 mg ÷ 0.125 mg per tablet = 2 tablets. So two tablets are needed because 2 × 0.125 mg equals 0.25 mg. If only one tablet were given, you'd deliver 0.125 mg; three tablets would be 0.375 mg, exceeding the order.