A nurse is preparing to administer amoxicillin 2 g/day PO divided into two doses. The amount available is amoxicillin 500 mg tablets.

How many tablets should the nurse administer with each dose? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

We know:

• The prescribed dose is 25 mg.
• The available concentration is 125 mg per 5 mL.

Step 2 is to set up the calculation.

We will use the formula: (Desired Dose in mL) = (Prescribed Dose in mg × Volume Available in mL) ÷ Concentration Available in mg

Step 3 is to plug in the values into the formula.

(Desired Dose in mL) = (25 mg × 5 mL) ÷ 125 mg

Step 4 is to perform the multiplication first.

25 mg × 5 mL = 125

Step 5 is to perform the division.

125 ÷ 125 mg = 1 mL

Step 6 is the result.

The nurse should administer 1 mL per dose.

Choice A Reason:

Sleep deprivation is incorrect. While sleep deprivation can cause confusion and disorientation, it is less likely to cause abrupt onset of altered mental status and hallucinations. Sleep deprivation typically results in gradual cognitive decline and fatigue rather than sudden changes.

Choice B Reason:

Normal signs of aging is incorrect. Normal aging can involve some cognitive decline, but it does not typically cause sudden and severe symptoms like hallucinations and significant disorientation. These symptoms are more indicative of an acute condition.

Choice C Reason:

Dementia is incorrect. Dementia involves a gradual decline in cognitive function over time and does not typically present with sudden onset of symptoms. While dementia can include hallucinations and disorientation, these symptoms usually develop progressively.

Choice D Reason:

Delirium is correct. Delirium is characterized by a sudden onset of confusion, disorientation, and changes in mental status. It is often triggered by acute medical conditions such as infections, including UTIs. Elderly patients are particularly susceptible to delirium, which can include symptoms like hallucinations and severe confusion.