Solving Problems Using Dimensional

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




TEST BANK

,Question 1 (Easy) – Dimensional Analysis Fundamentals
A healthcare provider orders acetaminophen 650 mg PO. The
medication available is 325 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: Set up dimensional analysis
[
650\ \text{mg} \times \frac{1\ \text{tablet}}{325\ \text{mg}}
]
Step 2: Cancel units
The mg units cancel, leaving tablets.
[
650 \div 325 = 2
]
Step 3: Determine the dose
Administer 2 tablets.

,Medication Safety Note:
Always verify the tablet strength before calculating. Ensure the
ordered dose is appropriate and avoid unnecessary tablet
splitting when a whole-tablet dose is available.


Question 2 (Easy) – Oral Liquid Dosage
An order reads amoxicillin 500 mg PO. The suspension available
is 250 mg per 5 mL. How many milliliters should the nurse
administer?
A. 5 mL
B. 8 mL
C. 10 mL
D. 15 mL
Correct Answer: C. 10 mL
Rationale:
Step 1: Set up dimensional analysis
[
500\ \text{mg} \times \frac{5\ \text{mL}}{250\ \text{mg}}
]
Step 2: Cancel mg

, [
500 \times 5 \div 250 = 10
]
Step 3: Final answer
Administer 10 mL.
Medication Safety Note:
Measure liquid medications with an oral syringe or calibrated
medication cup rather than household spoons for greater
accuracy.


Question 3 (Easy) – Injectable Medication
The provider orders cefazolin 750 mg IM. The vial contains 1 g
in 10 mL after reconstitution. How many milliliters should the
nurse administer?
A. 5 mL
B. 7.5 mL
C. 8 mL
D. 10 mL
Correct Answer: B. 7.5 mL
Rationale:
Step 1: Convert grams to milligrams