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 provider prescribes amoxicillin 500 mg PO. The medication
available is 250 mg per capsule. How many capsules should the
nurse administer?
A. 1 capsule
B. 2 capsules
C. 3 capsules
D. 4 capsules
Correct Answer: B. 2 capsules
Rationale:
Step 1: Set up dimensional analysis.
[
500\ \text{mg} \times \frac{1\ \text{capsule}}{250\ \text{mg}}
]
Step 2: Cancel mg.
[
=\frac{500}{250}=2\ \text{capsules}
]
Step 3: Administer 2 capsules.

,Medication Safety Note: Always verify the medication strength
before administering multiple tablets or capsules.


Question 2 (Easy)
A patient is prescribed 650 mg acetaminophen PO. The
suspension available is 160 mg/5 mL. How many milliliters
should the nurse administer?
A. 15.3 mL
B. 20.3 mL
C. 25.0 mL
D. 30.5 mL
Correct Answer: B. 20.3 mL
Rationale:
Step 1:
[
650\ \text{mg}\times\frac{5\ \text{mL}}{160\ \text{mg}}
]
Step 2:
[
=\frac{3250}{160}=20.31\ \text{mL}
]

, Step 3: Round to 20.3 mL.
Medication Safety Note: Use an oral dosing syringe for accurate
measurement of liquid medications.


Question 3 (Easy)
Convert 1.8 g to mg.
A. 18 mg
B. 180 mg
C. 1,800 mg
D. 18,000 mg
Correct Answer: C. 1,800 mg
Rationale:
Step 1:
[
1.8\ \text{g}\times\frac{1000\ \text{mg}}{1\ \text{g}}
]
Step 2:
[
=1800\ \text{mg}
]