A nurse is preparing to administer aspirin 650 mg PO. Available is aspirin 325 mg tablets.

How many tablets should the nurse administer? (Round to the nearest whole number.

Use a leading zero if it applies.

Do not use a trailing zero.) Tablets.

Choice A rationale:
The blood flow of the mucous lining of the stomach and intestines can affect how quickly a drug is absorbed.
Choice B rationale:
Drug distribution refers to how a drug spreads throughout the body, not its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Choice C rationale:
Enzyme activity can affect how a drug is metabolized and absorbed.
Choice D rationale:
Gastric pH can affect drug absorption as some drugs are better absorbed in an acidic environment, while others are better absorbed in an alkaline environment.
Choice E rationale:
Gastric emptying time can affect drug absorption. Drugs may stay in contact with the absorptive tissue longer if the gastric emptying time is slower, allowing for increased absorption.

Choice A rationale:
Evaluation is the final step in the nursing process where the nurse determines if the goals set in the planning stage have been met. This does not involve identifying the therapeutic intent of a medication.
Choice B rationale:
Assessment is the first step in the nursing process where the nurse gathers information about the patient’s physical, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual status. While this may involve understanding the patient’s medication regimen, it does not specifically involve identifying the therapeutic intent of a medication.
Choice C rationale:
Planning involves setting goals and developing a plan to meet those goals. While this may involve considering the therapeutic intent of a medication, it is not the step where this identification occurs.
Choice D rationale:
Implementation is the step of the nursing process where the nurse executes the plan of care. This includes identifying the therapeutic intent of a prescribed medication.