A psychiatric-mental health nurse is reviewing a client's medication schedule. The client is prescribed 150 mg of venlafaxine to manage their depression. The pharmacy dispenses venlafaxine 37.5 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer per dose?

Choice A reason: Three tablets equal 112.5 mg, which is below the prescribed dose. Administering this amount would underdose the patient, leading to subtherapeutic effects and poor symptom control. Choice B reason: Two tablets equal 75 mg, which is half the prescribed dose. This would result in significant underdosing and ineffective management of depression. Choice C reason: Four tablets equal exactly 150 mg, which matches the prescribed dose. This ensures therapeutic effectiveness and safety, making it the correct choice. Step 1: Ordered dose = 150 mg. Step 2: Tablet strength = 37.5 mg per tablet. Step 3: (150 mg ÷ 37.5 mg) = 4 tablets. Result = 4 tablets. Choice D reason: Six tablets equal 225 mg, which exceeds the prescribed dose by 75 mg. This would risk overdose and adverse effects such as hypertension, serotonin syndrome, or gastrointestinal disturbances.