A nurse is preparing to administer gabapentin 900 mg PO once daily for a client who has neuropathic pain. How many capsules should the nurse administer if each capsule contains 300 mg?

A nurse is preparing to administer gabapentin 900 mg PO once daily for a client who has neuropathic pain. How many capsules should the nurse administer if each capsule contains 300 mg?

• A. 1 capsule
• B. 2 capsules
• C. 3 capsules
• D. 4 capsules

Answer: (C)

To determine the appropriate number of capsules to administer, it's essential to calculate the total dosage needed and then divide that by the amount contained in each capsule. In this case, the client is prescribed a total of 900 mg of gabapentin for neuropathic pain. Each capsule contains 300 mg of the medication. The calculation proceeds as follows: dividing the total prescribed amount (900 mg) by the amount in each capsule (300 mg) gives 900 mg ÷ 300 mg/capsule = 3 capsules. Therefore, to fulfill the ordered dose of 900 mg, the nurse should administer 3 capsules. Understanding this calculation is important for ensuring accurate medication administration, as it directly impacts the effectiveness of treatment for the client's neuropathic pain.

To determine the appropriate number of capsules to administer, it's essential to calculate the total dosage needed and then divide that by the amount contained in each capsule. In this case, the client is prescribed a total of 900 mg of gabapentin for neuropathic pain. Each capsule contains 300 mg of the medication.

The calculation proceeds as follows: dividing the total prescribed amount (900 mg) by the amount in each capsule (300 mg) gives 900 mg ÷ 300 mg/capsule = 3 capsules.

Therefore, to fulfill the ordered dose of 900 mg, the nurse should administer 3 capsules. Understanding this calculation is important for ensuring accurate medication administration, as it directly impacts the effectiveness of treatment for the client's neuropathic pain.