DOSAGE CALCULATIONS MADE
EASY
SOLVING PROBLEMS USING
DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
8TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)GLORIA PEARL
CRAIG
TEST BANK
,Question 1 (Easy)
Topic: Dimensional Analysis Fundamentals
A healthcare provider orders potassium chloride 30 mEq oral
liquid. The medication label reads "potassium chloride 20 mEq
per 15 mL." How many milliliters will the nurse administer per
dose?
A. 10 mL
B. 15 mL
C. 22.5 mL
D. 30 mL
Correct Answer: C. 22.5 mL
Rationale:
Step 1: Identify the desired dose and available concentration.
• Desired: 30 mEq
• Available: 20 mEq per 15 mL
Step 2: Set up dimensional analysis equation.
15 mL20 mEq×30 mEq=X mL20 mEq15 mL×30 mEq=X mL
Step 3: Cancel units and solve.
15 mL20mEq×30mEq=15×3020=45020=22.5 mL20mEq15 mL
×30mEq=2015×30=20450=22.5 mL
,Medication Safety Note: Always verify the medication order
against the concentration available. Potassium chloride is a
high-alert medication; double-check calculations and ensure
the correct route of administration before administering.
Question 2 (Easy)
Topic: Oral Dosage Calculations
The healthcare provider orders cefalexin 500 mg oral every 6
hours. The medication is available as cefalexin 250 mg per
tablet. How many tablets will the nurse administer for each
dose?
A. 0.5 tablet
B. 1 tablet
C. 2 tablets
D. 2.5 tablets
Correct Answer: C. 2 tablets
Rationale:
Step 1: Identify the desired dose and available concentration.
• Desired: 500 mg
• Available: 250 mg per tablet
Step 2: Set up dimensional analysis equation.
, 1 tablet250 mg×500 mg=X tablets250 mg1 tablet
×500 mg=X tablets
Step 3: Cancel units and solve.
1 tablet250mg×500mg=500250=2 tablets250mg1 tablet×500mg
=250500=2 tablets
Medication Safety Note: When calculating tablet doses, ensure
the number of tablets is reasonable and physically possible to
administer. Always check for score lines on tablets if partial
tablets are needed; do not split tablets that are not scored.
Question 3 (Easy)
Topic: Unit Conversions
The nurse is preparing to administer 0.5 grams of a medication.
The medication label states the concentration is 250 mg per
tablet. How many tablets will the nurse administer?
A. 1 tablet
B. 2 tablets
C. 3 tablets
D. 4 tablets
Correct Answer: B. 2 tablets
Rationale:
EASY
SOLVING PROBLEMS USING
DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
8TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)GLORIA PEARL
CRAIG
TEST BANK
,Question 1 (Easy)
Topic: Dimensional Analysis Fundamentals
A healthcare provider orders potassium chloride 30 mEq oral
liquid. The medication label reads "potassium chloride 20 mEq
per 15 mL." How many milliliters will the nurse administer per
dose?
A. 10 mL
B. 15 mL
C. 22.5 mL
D. 30 mL
Correct Answer: C. 22.5 mL
Rationale:
Step 1: Identify the desired dose and available concentration.
• Desired: 30 mEq
• Available: 20 mEq per 15 mL
Step 2: Set up dimensional analysis equation.
15 mL20 mEq×30 mEq=X mL20 mEq15 mL×30 mEq=X mL
Step 3: Cancel units and solve.
15 mL20mEq×30mEq=15×3020=45020=22.5 mL20mEq15 mL
×30mEq=2015×30=20450=22.5 mL
,Medication Safety Note: Always verify the medication order
against the concentration available. Potassium chloride is a
high-alert medication; double-check calculations and ensure
the correct route of administration before administering.
Question 2 (Easy)
Topic: Oral Dosage Calculations
The healthcare provider orders cefalexin 500 mg oral every 6
hours. The medication is available as cefalexin 250 mg per
tablet. How many tablets will the nurse administer for each
dose?
A. 0.5 tablet
B. 1 tablet
C. 2 tablets
D. 2.5 tablets
Correct Answer: C. 2 tablets
Rationale:
Step 1: Identify the desired dose and available concentration.
• Desired: 500 mg
• Available: 250 mg per tablet
Step 2: Set up dimensional analysis equation.
, 1 tablet250 mg×500 mg=X tablets250 mg1 tablet
×500 mg=X tablets
Step 3: Cancel units and solve.
1 tablet250mg×500mg=500250=2 tablets250mg1 tablet×500mg
=250500=2 tablets
Medication Safety Note: When calculating tablet doses, ensure
the number of tablets is reasonable and physically possible to
administer. Always check for score lines on tablets if partial
tablets are needed; do not split tablets that are not scored.
Question 3 (Easy)
Topic: Unit Conversions
The nurse is preparing to administer 0.5 grams of a medication.
The medication label states the concentration is 250 mg per
tablet. How many tablets will the nurse administer?
A. 1 tablet
B. 2 tablets
C. 3 tablets
D. 4 tablets
Correct Answer: B. 2 tablets
Rationale:
