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)
A healthcare provider prescribes amoxicillin 750 mg PO every
12 hours. The medication available is 250 mg capsules.
How many capsules should the nurse administer for each dose?
A. 2 capsules
B. 2.5 capsules
C. 3 capsules
D. 4 capsules
Correct Answer: C. 3 capsules
Rationale:
Step 1: Identify the ordered dose.
750 mg
Step 2: Identify the available dose.
250 mg per capsule
Step 3: Set up dimensional analysis.
[
750\ \text{mg}\times\frac{1\ \text{capsule}}{250\ \text{mg}}=3\
\text{capsules}
]
The milligrams cancel, leaving capsules.
Step 4: Verify.

,3 capsules × 250 mg = 750 mg ✔
Medication Safety Note:
Always verify that the ordered dose is reasonable and
administer only whole capsules unless the medication is
specifically designed to be opened or divided.


Question 2 (Easy)
A provider orders acetaminophen 650 mg PO. The medication
label reads 325 mg per tablet.
How many tablets should the nurse administer?
A. 1 tablet
B. 1.5 tablets
C. 2 tablets
D. 3 tablets
Correct Answer: C. 2 tablets
Rationale:
Step 1: Ordered dose
650 mg
Step 2: Available dose
325 mg/tablet

, Step 3: Dimensional analysis
[
650\ \text{mg}\times\frac{1\ \text{tablet}}{325\ \text{mg}}=2\
\text{tablets}
]
Step 4: Verify
2 tablets × 325 mg = 650 mg.
Medication Safety Note:
Confirm the patient can safely swallow tablets and verify there
are no duplicate acetaminophen-containing medications
prescribed.


Question 3 (Easy)
A patient is prescribed 30 mL of an oral suspension. The
medication cup is marked in teaspoons.
How many teaspoons should the nurse administer?
A. 4 tsp
B. 5 tsp
C. 6 tsp
D. 7 tsp
Correct Answer: C. 6 tsp