HESI A2 Math + Dosage Calculations

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HESI A2 Math + Dosage Calculations
Questions 1–180 | HESI Admission Assessment Exam Prep | 100% Pass
Guaranteed | Graded A+


1. A nurse is preparing to administer 500 mg of a medication. The pharmacy supplies the
medication in 250 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer?

A. 0.5 tablet
B. 1 tablet
C. 2 tablets
D. 3 tablets

Correct answer: C
Explanation: Using the formula: Desired dose ÷ Available dose × Quantity = 500 mg ÷ 250
mg × 1 tablet = 2 tablets. The nurse should administer 2 tablets to deliver the prescribed 500
mg dose.



2. Convert 2.5 kilograms to pounds. (Round to the nearest tenth.)

A. 4.5 lb
B. 5.0 lb
C. 5.5 lb
D. 6.0 lb

Correct answer: C
Explanation: To convert kilograms to pounds, multiply by 2.2. 2.5 kg × 2.2 = 5.5 lb. This is a
standard conversion factor used in medication calculations.



3. A provider orders 1,000 mL of normal saline to infuse over 8 hours. The drop factor is
15 gtt/mL. What is the flow rate in drops per minute?

A. 25 gtt/min
B. 31 gtt/min
C. 35 gtt/min
D. 42 gtt/min

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Correct answer: B
Explanation: Using the formula: (Volume × Drop factor) ÷ Time in minutes = (1,000 mL × 15
gtt/mL) ÷ 480 minutes = 15,000 ÷ 480 = 31.25, which rounds to 31 gtt/min.



4. Convert 0.75 grams to milligrams.

A. 7.5 mg
B. 75 mg
C. 750 mg
D. 7,500 mg

Correct answer: C
Explanation: To convert grams to milligrams, multiply by 1,000. 0.75 g × 1,000 = 750 mg. This
is a fundamental metric conversion in medication administration.



5. A patient weighs 176 pounds. What is the patient's weight in kilograms?

A. 70 kg
B. 75 kg
C. 80 kg
D. 85 kg

Correct answer: C
Explanation: To convert pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.2. 176 lb ÷ 2.2 = 80 kg. This
conversion is essential for weight-based dosing.



6. A medication order reads: Administer 0.5 mg of levothyroxine PO daily. The pharmacy
provides levothyroxine 0.25 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse
administer?

A. 0.5 tablet
B. 1 tablet
C. 2 tablets
D. 3 tablets

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Correct answer: C
Explanation: Using the formula: Desired ÷ Available × Quantity = 0.5 mg ÷ 0.25 mg × 1 tablet
= 2 tablets. The nurse should administer 2 tablets.



7. Solve for x: 3/4 = x/12

A. 6
B. 8
C. 9
D. 10

Correct answer: C
Explanation: Cross-multiply: 3 × 12 = 4 × x, so 36 = 4x. Divide both sides by 4: x = 9. This is a
basic ratio and proportion problem common in dosage calculations.



8. A nurse is administering 1,500 mL of IV fluid over 12 hours. What is the hourly rate in
mL/hr?

A. 100 mL/hr
B. 115 mL/hr
C. 125 mL/hr
D. 150 mL/hr

Correct answer: C
Explanation: Divide the total volume by the total time: 1,500 mL ÷ 12 hours = 125 mL/hr.
This is the rate at which the IV pump should be set.



9. Convert 30 milliliters to teaspoons. (1 tsp = 5 mL)

A. 3 tsp
B. 5 tsp
C. 6 tsp
D. 10 tsp

Correct answer: C
Explanation: To convert mL to teaspoons, divide by 5. 30 mL ÷ 5 mL/tsp = 6 tsp. This
conversion is commonly used for oral liquid medications.

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10. A patient is prescribed 2,000 mg of a medication. The medication is available as 500
mg/5 mL. How many milliliters should the nurse administer?

A. 10 mL
B. 15 mL
C. 20 mL
D. 25 mL

Correct answer: C
Explanation: Using the formula: Desired ÷ Available × Quantity = 2,000 mg ÷ 500 mg × 5 mL
= 4 × 5 = 20 mL. The nurse should administer 20 mL.



11. What is 25% of 240?

A. 50
B. 55
C. 60
D. 65

Correct answer: C
Explanation: To find 25% of 240, multiply 240 by 0.25: 240 × 0.25 = 60. Alternatively, 25% is
one-quarter, so 240 ÷ 4 = 60.



12. A nurse needs to administer 0.125 mg of digoxin. The pharmacy provides digoxin 0.25
mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse give?

A. 0.25 tablet
B. 0.5 tablet
C. 1 tablet
D. 2 tablets

Correct answer: B
Explanation: Using the formula: Desired ÷ Available × Quantity = 0.125 mg ÷ 0.25 mg × 1
tablet = 0.5 tablet. The nurse should administer half a tablet.



13. Convert 5 pounds to ounces.