BSN 215 HESI RN Specialty Dosage
Calculation | Nightingale
1. A physician orders Digoxin 0.125 mg PO daily. The pharmacy provides Digoxin 0.25 mg
tablets. How many tablets will the nurse administer?
A. 1.5 tablets
B. 1 tablet
C. 0.5 tablets
D. 2 tablets
Answer: C
Rationale: To solve this problem, you divide the ordered dose of 0.125 mg by the available
dose of 0.25 mg. The calculation results in 0.5 tablets. Always verify the tablet strength and
use a pill cutter if necessary to ensure accuracy for the patient.
2. A patient is to receive Heparin at 1,200 units/hr. The available Heparin concentration is
25,000 units in 500 mL of 0.9% Normal Saline. What is the flow rate in mL/hr?
A. 24 mL/hr
B. 20 mL/hr
C. 28 mL/hr
,D. 32 mL/hr
Answer: A
Rationale: First, determine the concentration of units per mL by dividing 25,000 units by
500 mL, which equals 50 units/mL. Next, divide the ordered rate of 1,200 units/hr by the
concentration of 50 units/mL to find the hourly rate. The final calculation yields 24 mL/hr,
which should be programmed into the IV pump.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer Amoxicillin 400 mg PO. The available suspension is
labeled 250 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer?
A. 8 mL
B. 6 mL
C. 4 mL
D. 10 mL
Answer: A
Rationale: Use the formula ‘desired over have’ by dividing 400 mg by 250 mg, which
equals 1.6. Multiply this result by the volume of 5 mL to determine the total dose volume.
The calculation results in 8 mL to be administered to the patient.
4. An IV of 1,000 mL Normal Saline is ordered to infuse over 8 hours. What is the rate in
mL/hr?
A. 100 mL/hr
, B. 175 mL/hr
C. 150 mL/hr
D. 125 mL/hr
Answer: D
Rationale: To find the hourly rate, divide the total volume of 1,000 mL by the total infusion
time of 8 hours. This calculation gives a steady flow rate of 125 mL per hour. Ensure the
infusion pump is set correctly to prevent fluid overload or dehydration.
5. A child weighing 22 lbs is prescribed a medication at 5 mg/kg. How many mg will the child
receive per dose?
A. 25 mg
B. 75 mg
C. 50 mg
D. 110 mg
Answer: C
Rationale: First, convert the weight from pounds to kilograms by dividing 22 lbs by 2.2,
resulting in 10 kg. Then, multiply the weight of 10 kg by the ordered dose of 5 mg/kg. The
total dosage for this child is 50 mg per dose.