The nurse is measuring a client's medication in a syringe. The ...

[vicotolentino]

The nurse is measuring a client's medication in a syringe. The prescribed amount is 1.275 mL. The syringe has markings of 1.2 mL, and 1.3 mL, but not 1.275 . Which of the following numbers is the significant figure in this example?
 
  A) 1.2 mL
  B) 1.250 mL
  C) 1.275 mL
  D) 1.3 mL

Question 2

A 45-year-old male client who is addicted to barbiturates reduces his intake of the drug. For which of the following conditions is the client at risk?
 
  A) Hallucinations
  B) Tremors
  C) Overdose
  D) Alcohol abuse

[peter]

Answer to Question 1

D
Feedback:
The term significant figure refers to numbers that have practical meaning or dosages that can be measured. In this example, the dosage prescribed is 1.275 mL. When measured with a syringe that has markings of 1.2 mL and 1.3 mL, the last two numbers (the 75) cannot be measured. Therefore, the amount given is 1.3 mL, because this amount is closer to the prescribed dosage than it is to 1.2 mL. (The dosage that can be measured, 1.3 mL, is the significant figure.). Values ranging from 1.201 to 1.50 are rounded down to 1.3, and values from 1.250 to 1.299 are rounded up to 1.3.

Answer to Question 2

C
Feedback:
When a person reduces intake of drugs, such as barbiturates or cocaine, the future danger of overdose exists. After the person stops the drug, tolerance is reduced. If the user then takes the dose customarily used before detoxification, this constitutes an overdose and can cause death.