Solving Problems Using
Dimensional Analysis
8th Edition
• Author(s)Gloria Pearl Craig
TEST BANK
1. Reference: Ch. 1 — Arithmetic Review — Arabic Numbers
and Roman Numerals
NCLEX-Level Question Stem:
The provider orders ferrous sulfate gr x PO daily. The label
reads gr ii per tablet. How many tablets should the nurse
administer?
,Options:
A. 2 tablets
B. 4 tablets
C. 5 tablets
D. 8 tablets
Correct Answer: C. 5 tablets
Rationale — Correct Answer:
Use dimensional analysis: 10 gr × (1 tablet / 2 gr) = 5 tablets.
The grain units cancel, leaving tablets. This is the correct dose
based on the order and label.
Rationale — Incorrect Options:
A. 2 tablets reflects dividing 10 by 4 instead of 2.
B. 4 tablets is a common undercount from misreading the label.
D. 8 tablets results from using the wrong conversion factor.
Teaching Point:
Convert apothecary notation correctly before calculating the
dose.
Citation:
Craig, G. P. (2025). Dosage Calculations Made Easy: Solving
Problems Using Dimensional Analysis (8th ed.). Ch. 1.
2. Reference: Ch. 1 — Arithmetic Review — Arabic Numbers
and Roman Numerals
,NCLEX-Level Question Stem:
A provider prescribes a medication written as gr iii. The label
states gr 1/4 per tablet. How many tablets should the nurse
prepare?
Options:
A. 6 tablets
B. 8 tablets
C. 12 tablets
D. 16 tablets
Correct Answer: C. 12 tablets
Rationale — Correct Answer:
Set up the problem as 3 gr × (1 tablet / 1/4 gr). The grains
cancel, and 3 ÷ 1/4 = 12 tablets. This is the correct number of
tablets to administer.
Rationale — Incorrect Options:
A. 6 tablets comes from dividing by 1/2 instead of 1/4.
B. 8 tablets reflects a partial or incorrect conversion.
D. 16 tablets overestimates the dose and is unsafe.
Teaching Point:
A fraction in the denominator increases the final amount.
Citation:
Craig, G. P. (2025). Dosage Calculations Made Easy: Solving
Problems Using Dimensional Analysis (8th ed.). Ch. 1.
, 3. Reference: Ch. 1 — Arithmetic Review — Multiplying
Fractions
NCLEX-Level Question Stem:
The provider orders 2/3 tablet of a scored medication twice
daily. How many tablets will the patient take in 1 day?
Options:
A. 2/3 tablet
B. 1 tablet
C. 1 1/3 tablets
D. 2 tablets
Correct Answer: C. 1 1/3 tablets
Rationale — Correct Answer:
Multiply the dose by the number of doses: 2/3 × 2 = 4/3 = 1 1/3
tablets. The calculation shows the total daily amount. This is the
best answer.
Rationale — Incorrect Options:
A. 2/3 tablet is only one dose, not the daily total.
B. 1 tablet underestimates the total daily amount.
D. 2 tablets overestimates the total and is not correct.
Teaching Point:
Multiply fraction doses by the number of administrations to
find the daily total.
Citation:
Craig, G. P. (2025). Dosage Calculations Made Easy: Solving
Problems Using Dimensional Analysis (8th ed.). Ch. 1.