DOSAGE CALCULATIONS MADE
EASY
SOLVING PROBLEMS USING
DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
8TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)GLORIA PEARL
CRAIG
TEST BANK
,Question 1
Topic: Dimensional Analysis Fundamentals
The healthcare provider orders amoxicillin 500 mg PO twice
daily for a patient with a respiratory infection. The medication is
available as amoxicillin 250 mg per 5 mL oral suspension. How
many milliliters should the nurse administer per dose?
A. 2.5 mL
B. 5 mL
C. 10 mL
D. 15 mL
Correct Answer: C. 10 mL
Rationale:
Step 1: Identify the ordered dose and available concentration.
• Ordered: 500 mg
• Available: 250 mg/5 mL
Step 2: Set up dimensional analysis to solve for mL per dose.
text
500 mg × 5 mL / 250 mg = mL per dose
Step 3: Cancel units and calculate.
text
,500 × = = 10 mL
Medication Safety Note: Always verify the medication order
against the available concentration. The 10 mL dose represents
two full 5 mL units of the suspension. Use an oral syringe or
calibrated measuring device for accurate measurement. Never
estimate liquid medication doses using household spoons.
Question 2
Topic: Oral Dosage Calculations
A patient is prescribed digoxin 0.125 mg PO daily. The pharmacy
provides digoxin 62.5 mcg tablets. How many tablets should the
nurse administer for each dose?
A. 0.5 tablet
B. 1 tablet
C. 2 tablets
D. 4 tablets
Correct Answer: C. 2 tablets
Rationale:
Step 1: Convert units to ensure consistent measurement.
• Ordered: 0.125 mg
• Available: 62.5 mcg per tablet
, • Conversion: 1 mg = 1000 mcg
• 0.125 mg × 1000 = 125 mcg
Step 2: Set up dimensional analysis.
text
125 mcg × 1 tablet / 62.5 mcg = tablets per dose
Step 3: Calculate.
text
.5 = 2 tablets
Medication Safety Note: Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic
index, making precise dosing critical. Always double-check unit
conversions between mg and mcg. A tenfold error in digoxin
dosing could lead to serious cardiac toxicity or therapeutic
failure.
Question 3
Topic: Unit Conversions
The nurse is preparing to administer furosemide 40 mg IV push.
The vial contains furosemide 10 mg/mL. How many milliliters
should the nurse draw up for administration?
A. 1 mL
B. 2 mL
EASY
SOLVING PROBLEMS USING
DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
8TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)GLORIA PEARL
CRAIG
TEST BANK
,Question 1
Topic: Dimensional Analysis Fundamentals
The healthcare provider orders amoxicillin 500 mg PO twice
daily for a patient with a respiratory infection. The medication is
available as amoxicillin 250 mg per 5 mL oral suspension. How
many milliliters should the nurse administer per dose?
A. 2.5 mL
B. 5 mL
C. 10 mL
D. 15 mL
Correct Answer: C. 10 mL
Rationale:
Step 1: Identify the ordered dose and available concentration.
• Ordered: 500 mg
• Available: 250 mg/5 mL
Step 2: Set up dimensional analysis to solve for mL per dose.
text
500 mg × 5 mL / 250 mg = mL per dose
Step 3: Cancel units and calculate.
text
,500 × = = 10 mL
Medication Safety Note: Always verify the medication order
against the available concentration. The 10 mL dose represents
two full 5 mL units of the suspension. Use an oral syringe or
calibrated measuring device for accurate measurement. Never
estimate liquid medication doses using household spoons.
Question 2
Topic: Oral Dosage Calculations
A patient is prescribed digoxin 0.125 mg PO daily. The pharmacy
provides digoxin 62.5 mcg tablets. How many tablets should the
nurse administer for each dose?
A. 0.5 tablet
B. 1 tablet
C. 2 tablets
D. 4 tablets
Correct Answer: C. 2 tablets
Rationale:
Step 1: Convert units to ensure consistent measurement.
• Ordered: 0.125 mg
• Available: 62.5 mcg per tablet
, • Conversion: 1 mg = 1000 mcg
• 0.125 mg × 1000 = 125 mcg
Step 2: Set up dimensional analysis.
text
125 mcg × 1 tablet / 62.5 mcg = tablets per dose
Step 3: Calculate.
text
.5 = 2 tablets
Medication Safety Note: Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic
index, making precise dosing critical. Always double-check unit
conversions between mg and mcg. A tenfold error in digoxin
dosing could lead to serious cardiac toxicity or therapeutic
failure.
Question 3
Topic: Unit Conversions
The nurse is preparing to administer furosemide 40 mg IV push.
The vial contains furosemide 10 mg/mL. How many milliliters
should the nurse draw up for administration?
A. 1 mL
B. 2 mL
