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 – Dimensional Analysis Fundamentals)
A provider orders acetaminophen 650 mg PO for an adult
patient with a fever. The medication available is 325 mg tablets.
How many tablets should the nurse administer?
A. 1 tablet
B. 1.5 tablets
C. 2 tablets
D. 2.5 tablets
Correct Answer: C. 2 tablets
Rationale:
Step 1: Identify the ordered dose and available strength.
• Ordered = 650 mg
• Available = 325 mg/tablet
Step 2: Set up dimensional analysis.
650 mg×1 tablet325 mg650\ \text{mg} \times \frac{1\
\text{tablet}}{325\ \text{mg}}650 mg×325 mg1 tablet
The "mg" units cancel.
Step 3: Calculate.

,650÷325=2650 \div 325 = 2650÷325=2
The nurse should administer 2 tablets.
Medication Safety Note:
Always verify the total dose before administering multiple
tablets. Confirm that the patient's daily acetaminophen intake
does not exceed the recommended maximum.


Question 2 (Easy – Oral Dosage Calculation)
A patient is prescribed amoxicillin 500 mg PO. The pharmacy
supplies 250 mg capsules.
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:
Ordered = 500 mg
Available = 250 mg/capsule

, Step 2: Dimensional analysis
500 mg×1 capsule250 mg500\ \text{mg}\times\frac{1\
\text{capsule}}{250\ \text{mg}}500 mg×250 mg1 capsule
Cancel mg.
Step 3:
500÷250=2500\div250=2500÷250=2
Administer 2 capsules.
Medication Safety Note:
Verify allergies to penicillin-class antibiotics before
administration.


Question 3 (Easy – Liquid Medication)
The provider orders ibuprofen 300 mg PO.
Available medication:
100 mg per 5 mL
How many milliliters should the nurse administer?
A. 10 mL
B. 12.5 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL