The health care provider has ordered allopurinol 0.05 g PO BID. Drug available: The nurse should give _____ tablet(s) for each dose.

A) 2: Administering 2 mL of Compazine would provide a total dose of 10 mg (since the concentration is 5 mg/mL), which exceeds the ordered dose of 2.5 mg. This option is incorrect as it would administer too much medication.

B) 1.5: This option suggests giving 1.5 mL, which would equate to 7.5 mg (1.5 mL x 5 mg/mL). This dosage also exceeds the ordered 2.5 mg and is therefore not appropriate.

C) 1: Administering 1 mL would deliver 5 mg of Compazine. This amount is higher than the prescribed 2.5 mg and is not the correct dose.

D) 0.5: This option is correct. Administering 0.5 mL of Compazine would provide a dose of 2.5 mg (0.5 mL x 5 mg/mL). This matches the ordered dosage perfectly, ensuring that the patient receives the correct amount of medication.

A) Only administer 40 mg: This option is not appropriate without consulting the healthcare provider. Simply administering a smaller dose without confirming the rationale behind the prescribed 120 mg could result in inadequate treatment for the patient.

B) Use at least two patient identifiers whenever administering a medication: Utilizing two patient identifiers (such as name and date of birth) is essential to ensure that the medication is administered to the correct patient. This step is a key practice in medication safety to prevent errors.

C) Read labels at least two times to make sure it is the correct medication: Carefully reading labels at least twice helps confirm that the nurse is administering the correct medication and dosage. This practice reduces the risk of errors and ensures that the right drug is given.

D) Double-check all calculations: Verifying calculations is critical, especially when dealing with high doses or unusual orders. This step ensures accuracy in the dosage administered and helps prevent medication errors that could lead to toxicity or ineffective treatment.

E) Question unusually large or small doses: It is essential to question any dosage that appears significantly outside the usual range, such as the prescribed 120 mg of Lasix, which exceeds the standard dosing guidelines. Consulting with the healthcare provider for clarification is crucial in such cases to ensure patient safety.