If a medication is available as a 500 mg tablet, how many tablets are needed for a 1500 mg dose?

To determine how many 500 mg tablets are needed for a 1500 mg dose, the total dose required is divided by the strength of each tablet. In this case, you would take the required dose of 1500 mg and divide it by the amount per tablet, which is 500 mg.

1500 mg (total dose) ÷ 500 mg (per tablet) = 3 tablets.

This calculation shows that three of the 500 mg tablets are required to meet the 1500 mg dosage. This is an important concept in medication administration, as it ensures that the patient receives the correct amount needed for effective treatment without underdosing or overdosing. Understanding how to perform these calculations accurately is essential for patient safety in nursing practice.