Solving Problems Using Dimensional

DOSAGE CALCULATIONS MADE
EASY
SOLVING PROBLEMS USING
DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
8TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)GLORIA PEARL
CRAIG




TEST BANK

,Question 1
A client is prescribed amoxicillin 500 mg PO every 8 hours. The
medication available is 250 mg capsules. How many capsules
should the nurse administer per dose?
A. 1 capsule
B. 2 capsules
C. 3 capsules
D. 4 capsules
Correct Answer: B. 2 capsules
Rationale:
Step 1: Identify the ordered dose and the dose on hand.
• Ordered: 500 mg
• Available: 250 mg per capsule
Step 2: Set up dimensional analysis.
[
500 \text{ mg} \times \frac{1 \text{ capsule}}{250 \text{ mg}} = 2
\text{ capsules}
]
Step 3: Solve.
The nurse should administer 2 capsules.
Medication Safety Note:
Always compare the ordered dose with the strength available

,and verify whether tablets/capsules can be safely split if the
dose does not equal a whole unit.


Question 2
The health care provider prescribes acetaminophen 650 mg PO
now. The liquid medication available is 160 mg/5 mL. How
many mL should the nurse administer?
A. 15.3 mL
B. 18.8 mL
C. 20.3 mL
D. 25 mL
Correct Answer: C. 20.3 mL
Rationale:
Step 1: Identify the ordered dose and concentration available.
• Ordered: 650 mg
• Available: 160 mg/5 mL
Step 2: Set up dimensional analysis.
[
650 \text{ mg} \times \frac{5 \text{ mL}}{160 \text{ mg}} =
\frac{3250}{160} = 20.3125 \text{ mL}
]

, Step 3: Round appropriately.
Rounded to the nearest tenth: 20.3 mL
Medication Safety Note:
Use an oral syringe for accurate measurement of non-round
liquid medication doses, especially when the volume includes
decimals.


Question 3
A prescription reads furosemide 40 mg PO daily. The tablets
available are 20 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse
administer?
A. 1 tablet
B. 1.5 tablets
C. 2 tablets
D. 2.5 tablets
Correct Answer: C. 2 tablets
Rationale:
Step 1: Determine the ordered dose and the amount per tablet.
• Ordered: 40 mg
• Available: 20 mg/tablet
Step 2: Dimensional analysis.
[