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How many scored tablets of Seconal 0.1 gram should a nurse administer if each tablet is labeled grain 1.5?

  1. 0.5 tab

  2. 1 tab

  3. 2 tabs

  4. 3 tabs

The correct answer is: 1 tab

In order to determine how many scored tablets of Seconal (secobarbital) at a dosage of 0.1 gram to administer, it is essential to convert the dosage from grams to grains since the tablets are labeled in grains. There are approximately 15.432 grains in a gram. Therefore, to convert 0.1 gram to grains, you would perform the following calculation: 0.1 gram × 15.432 grains/gram = approximately 1.54 grains. With the tablet labeled as grain 1.5, that means each tablet contains 1.5 grains of Seconal. Thus, if you need to administer a total of approximately 1.54 grains, administering one tablet that equals 1.5 grains is the closest and most appropriate choice. This choice allows you to provide an effective and safe dosage while remaining within the confines of the measurements provided. Administering partial tablets can sometimes lead to errors in dosage, making one complete tablet not only practical but also safer for patient administration.