The physician orders Zestril 15 mg po daily for hypertension. The medication is supplied in 5-mg tablets. How many tablets will the nurse administer?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: One 5-mg tablet provides only 5 mg, far below the 15 mg ordered; this underdose fails to control hypertension effectively, risking cardiovascular complications like stroke or heart failure. Choice B reason: Two tablets yield 10 mg, still short of 15 mg; this insufficient dose wouldn’t achieve therapeutic blood pressure reduction, leaving the patient at risk for hypertensive damage. Choice C reason: Three 5-mg tablets equal 15 mg, matching the order precisely; this dose effectively inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme, lowering blood pressure to a therapeutic range safely. Choice D reason: Four tablets deliver 20 mg, exceeding the order; this overdose could cause hypotension, dizziness, or renal impairment due to excessive ACE inhibition beyond therapeutic needs.