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 patient is prescribed acetaminophen 650 mg orally. The
tablets available are 325 mg each. How many tablets should the
nurse administer?
A. 1 tablet
B. 1.5 tablets
C. 2 tablets
D. 3 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 \text{ mg} \times \frac{1 \text{ tablet}}{325 \text{ mg}} = 2
\text{ tablets}
]
Step 3: Administer 2 tablets.
Medication Safety Note:
Always verify that scored tablets may be split when partial

,doses are required. In this case, a whole-number dose is
available.


Question 2 (Easy)
Convert 2.5 g to milligrams.
A. 25 mg
B. 250 mg
C. 2,500 mg
D. 25,000 mg
Correct Answer:
C. 2,500 mg
Rationale:
Step 1: Recall the conversion factor.
1 g = 1,000 mg
Step 2: Use dimensional analysis.
[
2.5 \text{ g} \times \frac{1000 \text{ mg}}{1 \text{ g}} = 2500
\text{ mg}
]
Step 3: The answer is 2,500 mg.

, Medication Safety Note:
Misplacing a decimal point can create tenfold medication
errors. Always verify unit conversions before administration.


Question 3 (Easy)
A child is prescribed amoxicillin 250 mg orally. The suspension
available is 125 mg per 5 mL. How many milliliters should the
nurse administer?
A. 5 mL
B. 7.5 mL
C. 10 mL
D. 12.5 mL
Correct Answer:
C. 10 mL
Rationale:
Step 1: Identify the concentration.
125 mg = 5 mL
Step 2: Set up dimensional analysis.
[
250 \text{ mg} \times \frac{5 \text{ mL}}{125 \text{ mg}} = 10
\text{ mL}
]