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 – Oral Dosage Calculation)
A provider prescribes amoxicillin 750 mg PO. The pharmacy
supplies 250 mg capsules.
How many capsules should the nurse administer?
A. 2 capsules
B. 2.5 capsules
C. 3 capsules
D. 4 capsules
Correct Answer: C. 3 capsules
Rationale:
Step 1: Set up dimensional analysis.
[
750\ \text{mg} \times \frac{1\ \text{capsule}}{250\ \text{mg}}
]
Step 2: Cancel mg.
[
750 \div 250 = 3
]
Step 3: Administer 3 capsules.
Medication Safety Note: Verify that the ordered dose can safely
be given as whole capsules before administration.

,Question 2 (Easy – Liquid Medication)
A child is prescribed 300 mg of acetaminophen PO. The
available suspension contains 160 mg per 5 mL.
How many milliliters should the nurse administer?
A. 7.5 mL
B. 8.4 mL
C. 9.4 mL
D. 10 mL
Correct Answer: C. 9.4 mL
Rationale:
Step 1:
[
300\ \text{mg}\times\frac{5\ \text{mL}}{160\ \text{mg}}
]
Step 2:
[
1500\div160=9.375
]
Step 3: Round to the nearest tenth.

, = 9.4 mL
Medication Safety Note: Use an oral syringe for accurate
measurement.


Question 3 (Easy – Metric Conversion)
The nurse must administer 2.5 g of medication.
How many milligrams is this?
A. 25 mg
B. 250 mg
C. 2,500 mg
D. 25,000 mg
Correct Answer: C. 2,500 mg
Rationale:
Step 1:
[
2.5\ \text{g}\times\frac{1000\ \text{mg}}{1\ \text{g}}
]
Step 2: