A nurse is preparing to administer buspirone 7.5 mg PO every 12 hr to a client. The amount available is buspirone 15 mg/tablet. How many tablets should the nurse administer per dose?

(Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

A. The client drinks 2 liters of liquids daily. - This statement indicates adequate fluid intake, which is important for preventing dehydration and lithium toxicity. Increased fluid intake helps maintain normal lithium levels by promoting its excretion through urine.

B. The client eats 2 to 3 gm of sodium-containing foods daily. - This statement suggests a moderate sodium intake, which can help maintain stable lithium levels. Adequate sodium intake is important for preventing lithium toxicity because sodium depletion can increase lithium reabsorption by the kidneys, leading to higher serum levels.

C. The client runs 4 miles outdoors every afternoon. - This statement indicates excessive sweating, which can lead to dehydration and subsequent lithium toxicity. Vigorous exercise, particularly in hot environments, increases fluid loss through sweating, potentially reducing lithium excretion and increasing serum levels.

D. The client eats foods high in tyramine. - This statement is unrelated to lithium toxicity. Tyramine-containing foods are typically associated with interactions with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), not lithium.

A. Documents medication administration prior to administering it: Documenting medication administration before actually administering it is incorrect and can lead to errors in documentation. The nurse should document medication administration after ensuring the medication is given to the client.

B. Verifies the medication against the prescription and medication label: This is a correct action. The nurse should verify the medication against the prescription and medication label to ensure accuracy before administering it.

C. Checks the provider's orders and confirmed dosage in a medication reference guide: This is a correct action. The nurse should check the provider's orders and confirm the dosage in a reliable medication reference guide to ensure accuracy before administering the medication.

D. Scans the barcode on the medication administration record and the client's armband: This is a correct action. Scanning the barcode on the medication administration record and the client's armband helps ensure the "Five Rights" of medication administration: right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time.