Evolve HESI Practice Exam

Why might a nurse prefer to use scored tablets for medication administration?

1. They are available in powdered form

2. They allow for accurate dosing adjustments

3. They are less expensive compared to unscored tablets

4. They provide a longer shelf life

The correct answer is: They allow for accurate dosing adjustments

A nurse may prefer to use scored tablets for medication administration primarily because scored tablets allow for accurate dosing adjustments. Scoring refers to a line that is marked on one or both sides of a tablet, indicating that it can be safely split. This feature means that the nurse can precisely adjust the dosage to meet a patient’s specific needs, especially in cases where a full tablet may be too much or too little for their intended treatment. Accurate dosing is crucial in medication administration, as it directly impacts the effectiveness of the treatment and the patient's safety. While other options may present potential advantages, they do not specifically relate to the primary benefit of scored tablets. For instance, scored tablets are not inherently linked to being in powdered form or having a longer shelf life; these attributes are independent of the scoring feature. Additionally, cost considerations can vary widely based on manufacturers and do not define the utility of the scoring itself. Therefore, the ability to adjust dosages accurately remains the most relevant reason for a nurse’s preference toward the use of scored tablets.