How many digoxin tablets will the nurse administer if the order is for 500 mcg and the available tablets are 0.5 mg?

To determine how many digoxin tablets to administer, first, it's important to convert the units of measurement so they are consistent. The order is for 500 mcg (micrograms) of digoxin, whereas the available tablets are measured in mg (milligrams).

1 mg is equivalent to 1000 mcg. Therefore, the available tablet dose of 0.5 mg can be converted to micrograms:

0.5 mg × 1000 mcg/mg = 500 mcg.

Since the order is also for 500 mcg, this means that one tablet of 0.5 mg provides the exact amount needed.

To fulfill the order, the nurse will administer 1 tablet of digoxin. This shows the importance of unit conversion in medication administration to ensure the correct dose is given. The response of administering one tablet accurately meets the prescribed amount.