A client with type 2 diabetes is on metformin 1 gram PO twice daily, available in 500 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer?

To determine the correct dosage of metformin in tablet form for the client with type 2 diabetes, we first analyze the total prescribed amount. The client is taking 1 gram of metformin, and since there are two doses administered daily, that totals 2 grams per day.

Next, we need to convert grams to milligrams because the tablets are available in milligram strength. Since 1 gram equals 1000 milligrams, the 1 gram dose is equivalent to 1000 mg. Therefore, the client requires 1000 mg of metformin twice daily.

Now, we must determine how many 500 mg tablets are needed to reach the 1000 mg dose. Dividing the required dose of 1000 mg by the strength of each tablet (500 mg):

1000 mg ÷ 500 mg/tablet = 2 tablets.

Thus, for each dose of 1 gram of metformin, the client would need 2 tablets of the available 500 mg formulation. Since the client takes this amount twice a day, the correct administration for each dose would be 2 tablets, verifying that the answer is indeed correct.