exam coverage
The exam coverage includes essential dosage calculation concepts
assessed in the BSN HESI 215 Dosage Calculation Exam. It focuses on
basic and advanced medication math, including conversions between
measurement systems, tablet and liquid dose calculations, intravenous
flow rate calculations, weight-based dosing, and safe medication
administration principles. The exam also evaluates understanding of
reconstitution, dimensional analysis, pediatric and adult dosage
calculations, and prevention of medication errors. Emphasis is placed
on accuracy, critical thinking, and applying dosage calculation skills to
ensure safe and effective nursing care.
,A client with cardiogenic shock weighs 220 lb and is receiving
dopamine at the rate of 3 mcg/kg/minute. The solution strength
available is dopamine 400 mg in 250 ml of D5W. The nurse should set
the infusion pump to deliver how many ml/hour? (Enter numeric value
only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth.)
11.3
First, convert pounds to kg
220 lb : X = 2.2 lb : 1 kg
= 100 kg.
Next, calculate the dosage per minute,
3 mcg/kg/min x 100 kg
= 300 mcg/min.
,3(100kg) =300
Convert mcg/min to mcg/hour
300 mcg/min x 60 min
=18,000 mcg/hour.
Convert mcg/hr to mg/hour,
=18,000 mcg/hr
= 18.0 mg/hour.
Calculate the rate,
400 mg : 250 ml = 18 mg : X ml
= 400 mg 18 mg
_____________ = ___________
250mL x mL
, =400X = 4500
X = 11.25
= 11.3 ml.
So, 18 mg/11.3 ml should be infused at 11.3 ml/hour.