Question

a nurse is transcribing medication prescriptions for a group of clients. which of the following is the appropriate way for the nurse to record medications that require the use of a decimal point? .4 ml 0.6 ml 8.0 ml 125.0 ml

Explanation:

• Option A (.4 mL) is incorrect. Leading zeros should be used before a decimal point to avoid misinterpretation. For example, .4 could be mistaken for 4 if the decimal is not clearly seen.
• Option B (0.6 mL) is correct. Using a leading zero (0) before the decimal point (0.6) is the proper way to write a decimal less than 1 in medication prescriptions to prevent errors.
• Option C (8.0 mL) is incorrect. Trailing zeros (the 0 after the decimal in 8.0) are not necessary when the number is a whole number. It should be written as 8 mL.
• Option D (125.0 mL) is incorrect. Similar to option C, trailing zeros for whole numbers are not needed. It should be written as 125 mL.

Answer:

B. 0.6 mL