A nurse is preparing to administer amoxicillin 500 mg PO. Available is amoxicillin 250 mg tablets.

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

Choice A rationale:

Decreased splanchnic blood flow can affect drug absorption and metabolism, but it does not directly increase the risk of gastric irritation from NSAIDs.

Choice B rationale:

Prolonged secretion of gastric acid can contribute to conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but it is not the primary factor increasing the risk of gastric irritation from NSAIDs in older adults.

Choice C rationale:

Delayed gastric emptying is the correct answer. It allows drugs to stay in contact with the stomach lining for a longer time, which can increase the risk of gastric irritation from NSAIDs.

Choice D rationale:

Loss of cells from the gastric plexus can affect gastric function, but it is not directly linked to an increased risk of gastric irritation from NSAIDs.

Choice A rationale:
The term “Aged” generally refers to individuals who are in the late stages of life, often those over 652. This does not apply to a 40-year-old patient.
Choice B rationale:
“Elderly” is a term often used to refer to individuals who are 65 years of age or older. A 40-year-old patient does not fall into this category.
Choice C rationale:
A 40-year-old patient is considered an “Adult”. According to Erikson’s stages of development, the stage of “generativity vs. stagnation” begins at age 40 and lasts until age 653.
Choice D rationale:
“Older adult” typically refers to individuals who are in their late 60s and beyond. This does not apply to a 40-year-old patient.