Test bank calculating drug dosages a patient safe approach to nursing and math 2nd edition by castillo werner mccullough (1).pdf

Test Bank For Calculating Drug Dosages A Patient-Safe
Approach to Nursing and Math
2nd Edition by Castillo
Chapter 1 - 22 Complete

Table of Contents:
I. Safety in Medication Administration
Chapter 1. Safety in Medication Administration
Chapter 2. The Drug Label
II. Systems of Measurement
Chapter 3. The Metric System
Chapter 4. The Household System
III. Methods of Calculation
Chapter 5. Linear Ratio and Proportion
Chapter 6. Fractional Ratio and Proportion
Chapter 7. Dimensional Analysis
Chapter 8. Formula Method
IV. Administration of Medications
Chapter 9. Calculating Oral Medication Doses
Chapter 10. Syringes and Needles
Chapter 11. Calculating Parenteral Medication Dosages
Chapter 12. Preparing Powdered Parenteral Medications
Chapter 13. Administration of Insulin
V. IV Therapy and Administration of Intravenous Medications
Chapter 14. Intravenous Infusion and Infusion Rates
Chapter 15. Calculating Infusion and Completion Time
Chapter 16. Administering IV Push Medications
VI. Verifying Safe Dose and Critical Care Calculations
Chapter 17. Verifying Safe Dose
Chapter 18. Titration of Intravenous Medications
VII. Intake and Output
Chapter 19. Calculating Intake and Output Chapter
20. Calculating Parenteral Intake
VIII. Dosages for Pediatric and Older Adult Populations
Chapter 21. Considerations for the Pediatric Patient Chapter
22. Considerations for the Older Adult

Castillo/Werner-McCullough: Calculating Drug Dosages, 2e
1
Chapter 1: Safety in Medication Administration
Castillo: Calculating Drug Dosages: A Patient-Safe Approach to Nursing and Math 2nd Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The following medication order is in the patient’s medication administration record (MAR):
methylPREDnisolone 40 mg PO daily at 0900.
After reading the order, the nurse correctly determines:
A “PO” is an inappropriate abbreviation.
B the medication order is written correctly.
C 40 mg should be written as 40mg.
D tall man lettering indicates that the drug is a narcotic.
ANSWER: B
Feedback
The medication order has all the required components (drug name, dose, route, and
frequency of administration) for a drug order. “PO” is an appropriate abbreviation; 40
mg is written correctly with a space between the dose and the unit of measurement.
Tall man lettering is used to distinguish the drug from another drug with a similar
name.
2. Which of the following accurately describes the “Boxed Warning” found on a drug label? A
It is primarily is used to identify the safe dose for the patient.
B It is commonly found on all drug labels.
C It identifies serious potential risks and side effects related to drug use. D
It protects the patient by providing information to decrease side effects.
ANSWER: C
Feedback
A drug label with a boxed warning provides information to healthcare professionals
and patients regarding the serious risks and side effects related to the drug. The Boxed
Warning is not the primary source for identifying the patient’s drug dosage. The
warning is found on specific prescription medications and does not provide
information to reduce or decrease side effects.
3. When practicing safety in the administration of medication, for which of the following
medication orders should a nurse seek clarification before the administration of the
medication?

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A Regular insulin 5 u subcut now.
B Enoxaparin 80 mg subcut every 12 hours.
C Benadryl 50 mg PO PRN every 6 hr for itching.
D Ondansetron 4 mg IVP stat.
ANSWER: A
Feedback
The “u” should never be used in a medication order; rather, for safety, the word
“units” should be spelled out. The other answer options contain the required
components needed to safely carry out the medication order.
4. A nurse is reviewing a drug label with a drug name written with tall man lettering. Which
statements shows the nurse has a correct understanding of tall man lettering on a drug label? A
“The tall man lettering means this is a high alert drug.”
B “The tall man lettering helps me distinguish this drug with other drugs that
have similar names.”
C “The tall man lettering means that this drug must have a Boxed Warning.”
D “The tall man lettering helps me quickly identify that this drug is an injectable
drug.”
ANSWER: B
Feedback
Tall man lettering highlights a portion of the drug name to help distinguish from
similar drug names. It is not used to identify high alert drugs, highlight a boxed
warning, or identify injectable drugs.
5. The following medication orders are found in the patient’s MAR:
Metformin HCl 500 mg PO daily at 0900. Hydrochlorothiazide
25 mg PO every 12 hr at 0900 and 2100. Digoxin .25 mg PO
daily at 0900.
In reading the medication orders for the 0700–1500 shift, the nurse determines that which of
the following is the priority nursing intervention?
A Clarify the metformin HCl order.
B Clarify the hydrochlorothiazide order.
C Clarify the digoxin order.
D Prepare to administer the 0900 medications.
ANSWER: C

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6. In the administration of medications, when should the nurse document the administration of
medications?
A 30 minutes before administering to the patient. B
Immediately before administering to the patient.
C At the end of the shift.
D Immediately after administering to the patient.
ANSWER: D
Feedback
The last “Right of Medication Administration” is the documentation of medications.
The documentation is done immediately after administering the medications to the
patient.
7. The following medication is ordered for the patient:
Calcitriol Oral Solution 2 µg PO Daily
After reading the order, what is the initial action needed by the nurse?
A Clarify the written medication dose of 2 µg.
B Look up the dose in a drug reference book.
C Transcribe the medication order onto the MAR.
D Ask the patient the daily dose taken at home.
ANSWER: A
Feedback
The initial action is for the nurse to clarify the drug dose because it is written with the
error-prone letter/symbol “µ.” To avoid medication errors, it is recommended that
the “µ” not be used in medication orders. Instead the abbreviation “mcg” is to be
used for microgram.
8. Recommendations by the Institute of Medicine for reducing medication errors help enhance
safe nursing practice by:
Feedback
The digoxin medication order is lacking a zero before the decimal fraction (.25).
Safe practice recommends using a zero before a decimal point when the dose is less
than one. The metformin HCl and the hydrochlorothiazide orders are written
correctly. The order should be clarified before preparing the 0900 medications.

4
A shifting primary responsibility for drug therapy onto patients and families. B
referring patients and families to the pharmacist for drug therapy questions. C
answering drug therapy questions when a new prescription is ordered.
D promoting ongoing communication between patients and healthcare
providers.
ANSWER: D
Feedback
The Institute of Medicine recommendations include the establishment of collaborative
partnership between patients and healthcare providers to assist in educating, consulting,
and listening to patient’s concerns. Ongoing communication between patients and
healthcare providers keeps the focus on the needs of the individual patient and
promotes safety.
9. In consulting a drug reference book, the nurse reads that certain medications are classified as
“high-alert” medications. In the administration of high-alert medications, what is the priority
action of the nurse?
A Inform the patient of the harmful side effects.
B Double-check the dose with another nurse prior to administering the drug.
C Provide drug literature to the family to assist with monitoring for harmful
effects.
D Seek assistance from the pharmacist to explain the effects of the drug.
ANSWER: B
Feedback
High-alert medications have an increased risk of patient harm. Safe practice in the
administration of high-alert medications requires the nurse to double check the dose
with another nurse prior to the administration of the drug. Informing the patient and
family of the drug’s harmful effects may be indicated for some patients, but the
prevention of a medication error is critical. Drug literature may be helpful for some
families, but not all. The nurse should seek assistance from the pharmacist whenever
there is a question, but this is not specific for high-alert medications.
10. All of the following medication orders are found in a patient’s MAR. Select the medication
order that requires clarification before administration.
A Captopril 12.5 mg PO at 0700 and 1700
B Regular insulin 7 units subcut 30 minutes before breakfast. C
Ketorolac 15 mg IM stat
D Morphine sulfate 45.0 mg PO every 5 hr for pain.

5
ANSWER: D
Feedback
The ordered dose of morphine sulfate, 45.0 mg, has a trailing zero, which may lead to
an error in the administration of the ordered dose. The medication orders for
captopril, Regular insulin, and ketorolac contain the required components of a
medication order.

1
Chapter 2: The Drug Label
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. On a home health visit, the nurse finds a drug bottle with the following information on the
label:
Flagyl ®
metronidazole tablets USP
250 mg tablets
In reading the drug label, the nurse is correct to interpret that:
A Metronidazole is the generic name of the drug.
B Flagyl is the generic name of the drug.
C “USP” indicates a boxed warning.
D The symbol ® identifies the drug as a high-alert drug.
ANSWER: A
Feedback
The generic name is listed under the brand name. Flagyl is the brand name. USP stands
for United States Pharmacopeia and does not indicate a boxed warning. The symbol ®
is found next to the brand name and indicates that the drug name is registered and
trademark protected.
2. The following information is on the drug label:
Diazepam CIV
Oral Solution
5 mg per 5 mL
In reading the drug label, the nurse is correct to interpret that:
A diazepam is the brand name.
B diazepam is a controlled substance.
C the CIV is used to identify oral solutions on the label.
D the drug is on the list of Confused Drug names.
ANSWER: B
Feedback

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3. The following information is on the drug label:
Minipress ®
(prazosin hydrochloride)
1 mg
Capsules
The nurse can safely administer this drug via which route? A
IM
B Subcut
C IV
D PO
ANSWER: D
Feedback
Although not specifically stated on the label, it is understood that capsules and tablets
are administered via the oral (PO) route. All the other routes indicate parenteral routes
of administration.
4. The nurse is preparing the following medication:
Glucotrol XL ®
(glipizide)
Extended release tabs
2.5 mg
What does the nurse need to do when administering this drug?
A Crush and dissolve the tablet in 15 mL of water.
B Give half the tablet now and the other a half hour later.
C Instruct the patient swallow the entire tablet.
D Instruct the patient to chew the tablet slowly.
ANSWER: C
Feedback
The CIV indicates that the drug is a controlled substance found under the Schedule
IV category. Diazepam is the generic name. The letter “C” indicates that the drug is
a controlled substance and the roman numeral (IV) signify under which schedule the
drug is categorized. The CIV is not used to highlight confused drug names.

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5. The medication order is to administer 0.1 mL of a drug intradermally. The nurse
demonstrates proper administration of the drug when the drug is:
A given into the muscle.
B placed between the gum and lining of the cheek.
C injected into the top layers of the skin.
D inhaled through the mouth or nose.
ANSWER: C
Feedback
Intradermal (ID) administration of a drug is given into the top layers of the skin. Drugs
given into the muscle use the intramuscular (IM) route. Drugs placed between the gum
and lining of the cheek use the buccal route. Drugs administered through the mouth or
nose use the inhalant route.
6. The medication order is to give 0.5 mg of a drug sublingually. The nurse demonstrates proper
administration of the drug when the drug is:
A placed between the gum and lining of the cheek.
B placed under the tongue.
C injected into the subcutaneous tissue.
D inhaled through the nasal mucosa.
ANSWER: B
Feedback
The sublingual (SL) administration of a drug is correct when the drug is placed under
the tongue. Drugs placed between the gum and lining of the cheek use the buccal
route. Drugs injected into the top layers of the skin use the subcutaneous (subcut)
route. Drugs inhaled through the nasal mucosa use the intranasal route.
7. The nurse finds the following medication in the patient’s medication drawer:
Aldactazide ®
spironolactone and
hydrochlorothiazide
tablets
Extended release tablets must be swallowed whole to safely allow for constant
release of the medication over a specific time. Extended release tablets must not be
crushed, divided, or chewed.

4
25 mg/25 mg
The nurse is correct to interpret that:
A Aldactazide is the generic name of the drug.
B the dosage strength is 25 mg per tablet.
C the drug may be cut into two pieces. D
this is a fixed dose combination drug.
ANSWER: D
Feedback
Fixed dose combination drugs contain two active ingredients and are manufactured in
fixed doses. Aldactazide is the brand name. Because there are two active ingredients in
the drug, the dosage strength is expressed as 25 mg/25 mg per tablet. A drug may not
be cut into separate pieces unless the instructions indicate that the drug is “scored.”
8. Pharmacy sends a drug bottle labeled:
Calcitriol Oral Solution
1 mcg/mL
15 mL
Which dosage strength, if written on the medication order, would the nurse question?
A 1 mcg / mL
B 1 mcg per 1 mL
C 1 mcg / 15 mL
D 1 mcg / 1 mL
ANSWER: C
Feedback
1 mcg / 15 mL should be questioned. The strength of the drug (1 mcg) is correct but
the dosage form (15 mL) is not correct. “15 mL” represents the total amount of
medication in the bottle. From this drug label, the dosage strength consists of the
strength of the drug (1 mcg) and the dosage form, which may be written as: “ / mL,
per mL, or / 1 mL.”
9. The nurse reads the following drug label:
Cyanocobalamin
Injection, USP

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1,000 mcg/mL
For IM or SC USE ONLY
1 mL Vial
By which routes can the drug be safely administered? A
Intramuscular, subcutaneous
B Intravenous, intramuscular
C Subcutaneous, intradermal
D Intravenous, sublingual
ANSWER: A
Feedback
The drug label indicates “For IM or SC USE ONLY.” The approved routes of
administration are intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC). Intravenous (IV),
intradermal (ID), and sublingual (SL) are not approved routes of administration for
this drug.
10. The pharmacist sends the following medication for the patient:
Cyanocobalamin
Injection, USP
1,000 mcg/mL
For IM or SC USE ONLY
1 mL Ampule
Which action by the nurse is correct after the administration of 500 mcg IM? A
Keep the ampule.
B The remaining amount should be stored.
C Discard the ampule.
D Save the remaining amount in a syringe.
ANSWER: C
Feedback
Although 500 mcg was administered, leaving 500 mcg in ampule, the ampule and the
remaining amount should be discarded. An ampule is considered a single dose
container because once opened it cannot be resealed. The remaining amount is
discarded, not saved.
11. Heparin 2,000 units IV is ordered for the patient. The nurse has the following vial:

6
HEPARIN
Sodium Injection, USP
10,000 USP units/10 mL
(1,000 USP units/mL)
For Subcutaneous or Intravenous use.
Multidose Vial
Which statement is most appropriate regarding the dosage strength?
A 10,000 units/1 mL is the recommended dosage strength.
B 1,000 units/mL is the recommended dosage strength.
C 10,000 units/10 mL and 1,000 units/mL are equivalent dosage
D
strengths.
1,000 units/mL should be listed as 1,000 units per 1 mL.
ANSWER: D
Feedback
10,000 USP units/10 mL and 1,000 USP units/mL are equivalent dosage strengths.
The label identifies two dosage strengths (10,000 USP units/10 mL or 1,000 USP
units/mL), but both are equivalent; 1,000 USP units/mL indicates the same as 1,000
USP units per 1 mL.
12. The nurse reads the following on the Heparin drug label:
HEPARIN
Sodium Injection, USP
20,000 USP units per mL
For Subcutaneous or Intravenous use.
1 mL Multidose Vial
The nurse correctly determines:
A the vial can be used for the administration of multiple doses.
B the vial must be discarded after the first dose regardless of the dose
administered.
C HEPARIN is the brand name of the drug.
D HEPARIN contains tall man lettering.
ANSWER: A
Feedback
The “1 mL Multidose Vial” on the drug label indicates that the vial may be used for
the administration of multiple doses. HEPARIN is the generic name. Tall man
lettering is a combination of lowercase and uppercase letters found in the drug name.

7
13. M.D. Order: Atorvastatin calcium 10 mg PO daily.
The pharmacy sends a bottle with the following information:
Caduet ®
(amlodipine besylate/atorvastatin calcium)
5 mg/10 mg
Tablets
What is the most appropriate action initially needed by the nurse?
A Administer one tablet of the Caduet.
B Clarify the M.D order with the pharmacist.
C Review the medication with the patient.
D Ask the M.D. to order Caduet.
ANSWER: B
Feedback
The nurse needs to clarify the M.D. order and the medication sent with the
pharmacist. Although atorvastatin calcium 10 mg is found in Caduet, the nurse should
not administer Caduet because this is a fixed dose combination drug consisting of two
active ingredients. The ordered drug may be reviewed with the patient after the order
is clarified. It is not appropriate for the nurse to ask the M.D. to change the
medication order to what the pharmacy has sent.
14. M.D. Order: Morphine 4 mg IVP stat.
In the narcotic drawer the nurse finds:
Hydromorphone CII
hydrochloride Injection, USP 10
mg/mL
1 mL Single-dose vial
Which of the following actions by the nurse is correct?
A Use the single-dose hydromorphone vial to administer the ordered dose.
B Discard the single-dose vial of hydromorphone after the dose is drawn. C
Identify hydromorphone as the generic name for morphine.
D Search for morphine in the narcotic drawer.
ANSWER: D
Feedback

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15. The patient is ordered 25 mg of an oral drug every 12 hours. The drug bottle lists “50 mg
scored tablets” on the label. Which statement by the nurse to the patient provides the correct
information for taking the prescribed drug?
A “Take one tablet per day.”
B “Take one tablet twice a day.”
C “Take one-half tablet every 12 hours.”
D “Take one-half tablet every morning.”
ANSWER: C
Feedback
The patient is supplied scored tablets, which may be cut safely, so that the patient can
take one-half tablet every 12 hours. All other answers do not provide the appropriate
information to the patient.
The nurse should search in the narcotic drawer for morphine in order to administer
the ordered dose. Hydromorphone is NOT the same as morphine and is not the
generic name for morphine.

1
Chapter 3: The Metric System
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Convert 5 liters to milliliters.
A 500 mL
B 0.05 mL
C 5,000 mL
D 0.005 mL
ANSWER: C
Feedback
Use the metric line to identify the starting place (base unit), place the number 5 under
the base unit place, add a decimal point after the whole number (5.), and move the
decimal point 3 places from left to right to the desired place (milli) to arrive at the
answer. Final answer is 5,000 mL.
2. Convert 1.2 mg to micrograms.
A 12 mcg
B 120 mcg
C 1,200 mcg
D 12,000 mcg
ANSWER: C
Feedback
Use the metric line to identify the starting place (milli), place the number 1.2 under
the milli place, and move the decimal point 3 places from left to right to the desired
place (micro) to arrive at the answer. Final answer is 1,200 mL.
3. Converts 74 millimeters to centimeters.
A 7.4 cm
B 0.74 cm
C 0.074 cm
D 740 cm
ANSWER: A
Feedback

2
4. Converts 2,000 milliliters to liters.
A 0.02 L
B 20 L
C 0.2 L
D 2 L
ANSWER: D
Feedback
Use the metric line to identify the starting place (milli), place the number 2,000 under
the milli place, add a decimal after the whole number (2,000.), then move the decimal
point 3 places from right to left to the desired place (base unit) to arrive at the answer.
Final answer is 2 L.
5. M.D. Order: Valacyclovir HCl 1,000 mg PO daily.
Pharmacy sends:
Valtrex ®
(valacyclovir HCl) 1
gram
Caplets
Which is the correct action by the nurse?
A Ask the M.D. to clarify the ordered dose.
B Plan to give the patient one caplet.
C Request 1,000 mg caplets from pharmacy.
D Calculate the ordered dose as 0.01 gram.
ANSWER: B
Feedback
The dose ordered by the M.D. and the valacyclovir HCl dose are equivalent (1,000 mg
is equivalent to 1 gram). The nurse is correct to administer 1 caplet. The order does
not need to be clarified since the dose is equivalent. 0.01 gram in incorrect.
Use the metric line to identify the starting place (milli), place the number 74 under
the milli place, add a decimal after the whole number (74.), then move the decimal
point 1 place from right to left to the desired place (centi) to arrive at the answer.
Final answer is 7.4 cm.

3
6. In reading the following medication orders, which order would the nurse need to get
clarification?
A Diazepam 5 mg PO every 6 hr PRN anxiety
B Ketorolac 15 mg IM now
C Digoxin 1/2 mg PO every AM
D Lactulose 15 mL PO every 12 hr
ANSWER: C
Feedback
Standard rules for writing metric numbers recommend the use of a decimal fraction
(0.5) not fractions (1/2), in a medication order. All the other orders are written
correctly.
7. The medication order is 325 mg of an oral suspension twice daily. The equivalent of 325 mg is
grams.
A 3.25
B 0.325
C 32.5
D 325.0
ANSWER: B
Feedback
Use the metric line to identify the starting place (milli), place the number 325 under the
milli place, add a decimal after the whole number (325.), then move the decimal point 3
places from right to left to the desired place (base unit) to arrive at the answer. Add a
zero before a decimal point when there is no whole number. Final answer is 0.325 g.
8. Which of the following is the “kilogram” equivalent for 3 grams?
A 0.3
B 0.003
C 30
D 300
ANSWER: B
Feedback

4
9. The patient has 100 centiliters of blood drawn. How many deciliters of blood has been drawn
from the patient?
A 0.01 dL
B 1 dL
C 10 dL
D 1,000 dL
ANSWER: C
Feedback
Use the metric line to identify the starting place (centi), place the number 100 under
the centi place, add a decimal after the whole number (100.), then move the decimal
point 1 place from right to left to the desired place (deci) to arrive at the answer.
Final answer is 10 dL.
10. The nurse has an order for levothyroxine 25 mcg PO for the patient. How many milligrams
of levothyroxine will the nurse administer to the patient?
A 2,500
B 25,000
C 0.25
D 0.025
ANSWER: D
Feedback
Use the metric line to identify the starting place (micro), place the number 25 under
the micro place, add a decimal after the whole number (25.), then move the decimal
point 3 places from right to left to the desired place (milli) to arrive at the answer.
Add a zero before a decimal point when there is no whole number. Final answer is
0.025 mg.
11. Covert 2.05 cm to dm.
A 0.205 dm
B 0.0205 dm
Use the metric line to identify the starting place (base unit), place the number 3
under the base unit place, add a decimal after the whole number (3.), then move the
decimal point 3 places from right to left to the desired place (kilo) to arrive at the
answer. Add a zero before a decimal point when there is no whole number. Final
answer is 0.003 kg.

5
C 0.00205 dm
D 20.5 dm
ANSWER: A
Feedback
Use the metric line to identify the starting place (centi), place the number 2.05 under
the centi place, move the decimal point 1 place from right to left, to the desired place
(deci). Add a zero before the decimal point when there is no whole number in the
answer. Final answer is 0.205 dm.
12. The nurse walks 5 kilometers to the hospital. How many meters did the nurse walk? A
50 m
B 500 m
C 5,000 m
D 0.005 m
ANSWER: B
Feedback
Use the metric line to identify the starting place (kilo), place the number 5 under the
kilo place, add a decimal after the whole number (5.), then move the decimal point 3
places from left to right to the desired place (base unit place) to arrive at the answer.
Final answer is 5,000 m.
13. Convert 750 mL to cL.
A 0.750 cL
B 0.750 cL
C 7500 cL
D 75 cL
ANSWER: D
Feedback
Use the metric line to identify the starting place (milli), place the number 750 under
the milli place, add a decimal point after the whole number (750.), and move the
decimal point 1 place from right to left to the desired place (centi). Final answer is 75
cL.
14. Convert 147 mcg to mg.
A 0.147 mg
B 14.7 mg

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C 1,470 mg
D 147,000 mg
ANSWER: A
Feedback
Use the metric line to identify the starting place (micro), place the number 147 under the
micro place, add a decimal point after the whole number (147.), and move the decimal
point 3 places from right to left to the desired place (mg). Final answer is
0.147 mg.
15. Convert 10 dL to mL.
A 1 mL
B 100 mL
C 1,000 mL
D 0.1 mL
ANSWER: C
Feedback
Use the metric line to identify the starting place (deci), place the number 10 under the
deci place, add a decimal point after the whole number (10.), and move the decimal
point 2 places from left to right to the desired place (milli). Final answer is 1,000 mL.

1
Chapter 4: The Household System
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The medication order is for the patient to take 10 mL of Vibramycin oral suspension twice a
day. The nurse informs the patient that tsp of the medication may be taken per dose.
A 1 tsp
B 2 tsp
C 3 tsp
D 4 tsp
ANSWER: B
Feedback
The nurse uses the metric to household equivalent measurements, 5 mL = 1 tsp.
Therefore, 2 tsp = 10 mL.
2. The nurse is developing a household equivalent measurement conversion chart for the
patient. The nurse accurately completes the following chart:
Equivalent Measurement
5 mL = 1 teaspoon
15 mL = 3 teaspoon
15 mL = ? tablespoon
A 1
B 2
C 3
D 4
ANSWER: A
Feedback
In the metric to household equivalent measurements, 15 mL = 1 tablespoon.
3. The nurse is reviewing a metric to household equivalent measurement conversion chart.
Which of the following equivalents would the nurse question?
A 10 mL = 2 tsp
B 15 mL = 3 tsp / 1 Tbs
C 30 mL = 6 tsp

2
D 30 mL = ½ oz
ANSWER: D
Feedback
In the metric to household equivalent measurements, 30 mL = 1 oz. The other choices
are accurate equivalent measurements.
4. The nurse is preparing to record the patient’s weight (80 lb) in kilogram (kg). Which of the
following equivalent measurement would the nurse use to convert pounds to kilograms?
A 2.2 kg = 1 lb
B 2.5 kg = 1 lb
C 2.2 lb = 1 kg
D 2.5 lb = 1 kg
ANSWER: C
Feedback
In the household to metric equivalent measurements, 2.2 lb = 1 kg.
5. The nurse is preparing to record the length of a patient’s cut (6 in) in centimeters (cm).
Which of the following equivalent measurement would the nurse use to convert inches to
centimeters?
A 2.54 cm = 1 in
B 2.54 in = 1 cm
C 2.2 in = 1 cm
D 2.2 cm = 1 in
ANSWER: A
Feedback
In the household to metric equivalent measurements, 2.54 cm = 1 in.
6. The physician orders amoxicillin oral suspension 3 tsp every 12 hours. To help the patient
take the medication, the nurse tells that patient that tablespoon(s) will provide the
ordered dose.
A ½ tablespoon
B 1 tablespoon
C 1.5 tablespoons
D 2 tablespoons

3
ANSWER: B
Feedback
In the household to household equivalent measurements, 3 tsp = 1 Tbs. Therefore 1
tablespoon will provide the ordered dose.
7. The nurse is instructing a patient about the importance of drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of
water per day. To calculate the amount of water per day in milliliters, the nurse is correct to
use the which of the following equivalent measurements?
A 1 ounce = 15 mL
B 1 ounce = 30 mL
C 1 ounce = 60 mL
D 1 ounce = 90 mL
ANSWER: B
Feedback
In the household to metric equivalent measurements, 1 ounce = 30 mL.
8. The order is for the patient to take 30 mL of a liquid medication daily. The patient tells the
home health nurse that he takes 3 teaspoons every day. Which statement by the nurse is
correct?
A “You are taking the correct amount of medication daily.”
B “You are taking too much medication every morning.”
C “You should be taking 2 tablespoons of medication every day.”
D “You should be taking 1 tablespoon of medication daily.”
ANSWER: D
Feedback
In the metric to household equivalent measurements, 30 mL = 2 Tbs.
9. The nurse is reviewing the following equivalent measurement chart. Which of the following is
a household to metric measurement?
Household Measurements
3 tsp = 1 Tbs
6 tsp = 2 Tbs
2 tbs = 1 oz
1 tbs = 15 mL

4
A 3 tsp = 1 Tbs
B 6 tsp = 2 Tbs
C 1 tbs = 1 oz
D 1 tbs = 15 mL
ANSWER: D
Feedback
The household measurements include tsp, Tbs, and oz. 1 Tbs = 15 mL is a household
to metric equivalent conversion.
10. The nurse follows the approved standards for writing household abbreviations. Which
abbreviation would the nurse question?
A ozs
B tsp
C Tbs
D in
ANSWER: A
Feedback
It is recommended that the singular form be used when writing standard household
abbreviations; therefore oz should be used for ounce or ounces. All the other answers
are approved abbreviations.

1
Chapter 5: Linear Ratio and Proportion
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The physician orders 2.5 mg of a medication IV daily. The pharmacy sends a 5 mL vial of the
medication labeled 1.25 mg per mL. Which of the following will the nurse use to set up the
known ratio in a dosage calculation?
A 2.5 mg : 1 mg
B 2.5 mg : 5 mL
C 2.5 mg : 1.25 mg
D 1.25 mg : 1 mL
ANSWER: D
Feedback
The known ratio is found on the label of the vial supplied by the pharmacy: 1.25 mg per
mL, or 1.25 mg : 1 mL.
2. The patient is to receive 7.5 mg of a medication PO daily. The pharmacy sends a bottle of
scored tablets with the dosage strength of 15 mg each. The nurse sets up a ratio to solve a
calculation for this ordered dose. In addition to x tablet(s), what other number will the nurse
use for the unknown ratio?
A 7.5 mg
B 15 mg
C 1 tablet
D 2 tablets
ANSWER: A
Feedback
The unknown ratio includes the medication order and the unknown (in this problem, x
tablet). The order is 7.5 mg, so the unknown ratio is 7.5 mg : x tablet.
3. The medication administration record (MAR) includes an order for glycopyrrolate oral
solution 2 mg twice daily PO. The medication drawer contains glycopyrrolate oral solution
labeled 1 mg/5 mL. Which of the following is the correct setup for the drug dosage
calculation?
A 2 mg : 2 :: 1 mg : x
B 2 mg : x mL :: 5 mL : 1 mg
C 1 mg : 5 mL :: 2 mg : x mL

2
ANSWER: C
Feedback
The known ratio is from the available medication label (1 mg/5 mL) and the unknown ratio
includes the medication order and the unknown (2 mg : x mL).
4. The nurse has a vial of furosemide labeled 10 mg/mL. The physician orders furosemide 40
mg IVP now. Which proportion is correct to solve for the ordered amount?
A 10 mg : 40 mg :: x mL : 1 mL
B 10 mg : x mL :: 40 mg : 1 mL
C 10 mg : mL :: 40 mg : x mL
D 10 mg : 1 mL :: 40 mg : x mL
ANSWER: D
Feedback
The known ratio is from the available medication label (10 mg/mL) and the unknown ratio
includes the medication order and the unknown “x” (40 mg : x mL).
5. Which of the following proportions is correctly set up so that the units match?
A 500 mg : x tab :: 250 mg : 1 tab
B 1 g : 1,000 mg :: 500 mg : x mL
C 1,000 mcg : 0.1 mL :: x mL : 1,500 mcg
D 4 mg : 1 capsule :: x capsule : 12 mg
ANSWER: A
Feedback
When checking the units of measurement, both ratios must contain the same two units in
the same order. Only the first ratio has the same two units (mg and tab) in the same order
in each ratio (mg : tab, mg : tab).
6. The nurse is preparing to administer digoxin injection to a patient. The order is for 100 mcg IV
this morning. A vial of digoxin Injection is in the patient’s medication drawer that has the
following dosage strengths on the label:
500 mcg (0.5 mg) in 2 mL
(250 mcg [0.25 mg] per mL)
D 5 mL : 1 mg :: 2 mg : x mL

3
Select the ratio that does not require the nurse to do a conversion to solve for the ordered
dose.
A 500 mcg : 0.5 mL
B 0.5 mg : 2 mL
C 250 mcg : 1 mL
D 0.25 mg : 1 mL
ANSWER: C
Feedback
Because the order is in mcg, the nurse can use 250 mcg per 1 mL to solve for the number
of mL to administer with no conversion needed. The choices with mg (2 and 4) require a
conversion from mcg to mg before calculating the dose. Choice A (500 mcg in 0.5 mL) is
not a dosage strength written on this label.
7. The patient is to take 1,500 mg PO daily of Medication Q. The pharmacy dispenses a bottle of
Medication Q labeled 750 mg tablets. The nurse sets up the following proportion:
750 mg : 1 tablet :: 1,500 mg : x tablet
Which of the following represents the correct multiplication of the means and extremes?
A 750 × 1 = 1,500x
B 1 × 1,500 = 750x
C 750 × 1,500 = 1x
D 1x × 750 = 1,500
ANSWER: B
Feedback
The product of the means is equal to the product of the extremes. To solve a linear
proportion, multiple the means (1 × 1,500) and the extremes (750x), and solve for x. The
nurse will administer 2 tablets.
8. The order is for everolimus 10 mg PO once daily. The pharmacy sends everolimus 2.5 mg
tablets. The nurse sets up the following linear proportion to solve the dosage calculation:
2.5 mg : 1 tab :: 10 mg : x tab
How much medication will the nurse give the patient?
A 3 tablets
B 3.5 tablets
C 4 tablets

4
ANSWER: C
Feedback
No conversions are needed as the units in each ratio are the same. The nurse multiplies the
means and the extremes to solve the calculation. The nurse will administer 4 tablets.
9. The patient is to drink 1.5 L of water daily. The nurse wants to teach the patient the number
of 8 oz glasses of water to drink, and sets up the following proportion:
8 oz : 1 glass :: 1.5 L : x glass
What conversions will the nurse need to make before solving for x?
A oz to L; L to mL
B oz to glass; mL to mcL
C glass to L; mL to L
D oz to glass; glass to L
ANSWER: A
Feedback
8 oz = 240 mL (from a conversion table) and 1.5 L = 1,500 mL (use metric line to move
decimal point three places to the right). Once these 2 conversions have been made, the linear
proportion has the same units of measurement in each ratio and can be solved:
240 mL : 1 glass :: 1,500 mL : x glasses
The problem can also be solved by changing 1.5 L to 1,500 mL, then dividing by 30 mL to
arrive at 50 oz. Then the units of measurement in each ratio match and the proportion can be
solved:
8 oz : 1 glass :: 50 oz : x glasses
The patient is taught to drink 6 ¼ glasses daily.
10. The patient has an order for 15,000 units of heparin subcut now. Nurse A has prepared the
dose of 15,000 units of heparin. Following standard practice, Nurse A shows the multidose vial
of heparin (40,000 units per mL) and the syringe with the drawn dose to Nurse B. Nurse B sets
up the following proportion:
40,000 units : 1 mL :: 15,000 units : x mL
D 5 tablets

5
What volume of heparin would Nurse B expect to see in the syringe?
A 0.2 mL
B 0.38 mL (0.375 mL)
C 2 mL
D 2.7 mL (2.66 mL)
ANSWER: B
Feedback
No conversion is needed for this calculation as all heparin is ordered in the same unit of
measurement, “units.” Nurse B multiplies the means and the extremes and solves for x. x
= 0.375 mL, rounded to 0.38 mL.
11. The nurse is preparing 0900 medications for the following patients:
Patient A: Order: vemurafenib 0.96 g PO daily; Available: 240 mg tablets Patient
B: Order: colchicine 1.2 mg PO today; Available: 0.6 mg tablets Patient C: Order:
citalopram 20 mg PO daily; Available: 10 mg/5 mL Patient D: Order:
ceftazidime 1 g IV every 12 hr; Available: 1 g/50 mL
Which of the following orders will require the nurse to do a conversion before administering
the ordered 0900 medication?
A Patient A
B Patient B
C Patient C
D Patient D
ANSWER: A
Feedback
The unit of measurement in the order for Patient A (gram) does not match the unit of
measurement of the available medication from the pharmacy (milligram). The nurse will need
to convert 0.96 grams to milligrams before administering the medication.
12. The patient is to take 10 mEq of potassium gluconate PO daily. The medication bottle is
labeled 20 mEq per 15 mL. The patient’s wife asks the home health nurse how many
teaspoons of potassium gluconate she should give her husband. The nurse sets up the
following proportion:
20 mEq : 15 mL :: 10 mEq : x mL

6
The nurse solves for x mL, then converts the answer to tsp. The nurse instructs the patient’s
wife to administer teaspoons to her husband daily.
A 1 teaspoon
B 1 ½ teaspoons
C 3 teaspoons
D 7 ½ teaspoons
ANSWER: B
Feedback
The answer to the linear proportion is 7.5 mL. Using the equivalent 1 tsp = 5 mL, the nurse
converts 7.5 mL to 1 ½ tsp.
13. The patient weighs 95 kg. How many lb does the patient weigh?
A 43
B 190
C 205
D 209
ANSWER: D
Feedback
The setup is 1 kg : 2.2 lb :: 95 kg : x lb The patient weighs 209 lb.
14. The order is for cefazolin 1 g PO every 8 hr. The pharmacy sends cefazolin oral suspension
with a dosage strength of 250 mg/5 mL. The nurse sets up the following proportion:
250 mg : 5 mL :: 1 g : x mL
The nurse converts 1 g to mg, then solves the proportion. How much medication will the nurse
give the patient?
A 2 mL
B 5 mL
C 20 mL
D 50 mL
ANSWER: C
Feedback
As the units in the proportion do not match, the nurse converts 1 g to 1,000 mg (move the
decimal three places to the right). After doing the conversion, the setup is:
250 mg : 5 mL :: 1,000 mg : x mL

7
15. The following 0900 medication is on the MAR:
Cefpodoxime 150 mg PO every 12 hr.
Cefpodoxime is available as an oral suspension 100 mg/5 mL. How many mL of cefpodoxime
will the nurse administer?
A 1 mL
B 5 mL
C 7.5 mL
D 9.5 mL
ANSWER: C
Feedback
Set up the proportion with the known ratio (dosage strength from the available medication)
and the unknown ratio (the order and the unknown, x). The nurse will administer 7.5 mL.
The nurse will administer 20 mL of cefazolin.

1
Chapter 6: Fractional Ratio and Proportion
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The patient is to receive 3.5 mg of Medication Z orally daily. Medication Z is available in 7 mg
scored tablets. Which of the following will the nurse use to set up the known ratio in a dosage
calculation?
A 3.5 mg
7 mg
B 3.5 mg
1 tablet
C 7 mg
1 tablet
D 7mg
3.5mg
ANSWER: C
Feedback
The known ratio is found on the label of the vial supplied by the pharmacy: 7 mg per
7 mg
tablet, or
1 tablet
.
2. The patient is to receive 20 mg of a medication IV now. The 2 mL vial of medication is
labeled with a dosage strength of 50 mg/mL. The nurse sets up a ratio to solve a calculation
for this ordered dose. In addition to x mL, what other number will the nurse use for the
unknown ratio?
A 20 mg
B 50 mg
C 1 mL
D 2 mL
ANSWER: A
Feedback

2
3. The order is for risperiDONE 0.5 mg PO daily. The medication drawer contains a 50 mL
bottle of risperiDONE oral solution labeled 0.25 mg/mL. Which of the following is the
correct setup for the drug dosage calculation?
A 0.25mg
0.5mg
50 mL
=
x mL
B 0.25mg
1 mL
0.5mg
=
x mL
C 0.5mg
=
50 mL
0.25mg
x mL
D 0.5mg
=
1 mL
0.25mg
x mL
ANSWER: B
Feedback
0.25mg
The known ratio is from the available medication label
1 mg and the unknown ratio
0.5 mg
includes the medication order and the unknown
x mL .
4. The nurse has a vial of morphine labeled 5 mg/mL. The physician orders morphine 2 mg IVP
now. Which proportion is correct to solve for the ordered amount?
A 2mg x mL
=
5 mL 1 mL
B 2mg 5 mg
=
x mL 1 mL
The unknown ratio includes the medication order and the unknown (in this problem, x
20 mg
mL). The order is 20 mg, so the unknown ratio is x mL
.

3
C 5mg 2 mg
=
mL x mL
D 5mg 2mg
=
1 mL x mL
ANSWER: D
Feedback
5 mg
The known ratio is from the available medication label
1 mL
. When the label reads “5
mg/mL,” the number of mL is known to be 1. The number 1 must be placed before the unit
mL in setting up the fractional ratio.
2mg
The unknown ratio includes the medication order and the unknown x
x mL
.
5. Which of the following proportions is correctly set up so that the units match?
A 0.1 mcg 1,000 mg
=
x mL 1 mL
B 1 g 0.1 mg
=
1,000 mg x mL
C 1,000 mg 1.5 mcg
=
0.1 mL x mL
D 1,000 mg 1,500 mg
=
1 mL x mL
ANSWER: D
Feedback
When checking the units of measurement, both fractions must contain the same two units
in the same order. Only the fourth ratio has the same two units (mg and mL) in the same
mg mg
order in each fraction = .
mL mL

4
6. The nurse is preparing to administer epiRUBicin 105 mg IV this morning. The vial of
epiRUBicin has the following dosage strengths on the label:
50 mg per 25 mL
(2 mg per mL)
Select the known ratio to solve for the ordered dose.
A 50 mg
25 mL
B 2mg
x mL
C 105 mg
x mL
D 2 mg
mL
ANSWER: A
Feedback
The known ratio is found on the label of the vial supplied by the pharmacy, in this case
50 mg
either 50 mg per 25 mL or 2 mg per mL. Only the first choice,
25 mL
, is available as a choice
in this question. To be a correctly written ratio, 2 mg per mL must be written with a
2mg
number and the unit “mL” (in this case, “per mL” means “per each 1 mL”):
1 mL
.
7. The patient is to take 0.1 mg PO daily of levothyroxine. The pharmacy dispenses a unit dose of
2 levothyroxine tablets labeled 0.05 mg each tablet. The nurse sets up the following proportion:
0.05mg 0.1 mg
=
1tablet x tablet
Which of the following represents the correct multiplication of the means and extremes?
A 0.05 1 = 0.1x
B 0.05 0.1 = 1x
C 1 0.1 = 0.05x
D 1x 0.05 = 0.1
ANSWER: C

5
8. The order is for lenvatinib 16 mg PO once daily. The pharmacy sends unit dose capsules of
lenvatinib 4 mg each. The nurse sets up the following proportion to solve the dosage
calculation:
4mg 16 mg
=
1capsule x capsule
How many capsule(s) will the nurse give the patient?
A 1 capsule
B 2 capsules
C 3 capsules
D 4 capsules
ANSWER: D
Feedback
No conversions are needed because the units in each fractional ratio are the same. The nurse
cross multiplies to solve the calculation. The nurse will administer 4 tablets.
9. The patient is to drink 2 L of water daily. The nurse wants to teach the patient the number of 8
oz glasses of water to drink, and sets up the following proportion:
8 oz 2L
=
1glass x glass
What conversions will the nurse need to make before solving for x?
A oz to L; L to glass
B oz to glass; mL to L
C oz to mL; L to mL
D oz to glass; glass to L
ANSWER: C
Feedback
8 oz = 240 mL (from a conversion table) and 2 L = 2,000 mL (use metric line to move
decimal point three places to the right). Once these two conversions have been made, the
proportion has the same units of measurement in each fraction and can be solved:
Feedback
Cross multiply to solve the fractional proportion. Multiply the numerator of one fraction
with the denominator of the other fraction (1  0.1), and vice versa (0.05x). Solve for x.
The nurse will administer 2 tablets of levothyroxine.

6
Q10
1 0.6 mL
2 1.66 mL (1.7 mL)
3 2 mL
4 6 mL
ANS 1
Rationale
10. The patient has an order for 6,000 units of heparin subcut now. Nurse A has prepared the dose
of 6,000 units of heparin. Following standard practice, Nurse A shows the multidose vial of
heparin (10,000 units per mL) and the syringe with the drawn dose to Nurse B. Nurse B sets
up the following fractional proportion:
10,000units 6,000 units
=
1mL x mL
What volume of heparin would Nurse B expect to see in the syringe?
ANSWER: A
Feedback
No conversion is needed for this calculation because all heparin is ordered in the same unit of
measurement, “units.” Nurse B cross multiplies and solves for x.
x = 0.6 mL.
11. The nurse is preparing 2,000 medications for the following patients:
240 mL 2,000 mL
=
1 glass x glass
The problem can also be solved by changing 2 L to 2,000 mL, then dividing by 30 mL to
arrive at 50 oz. Then the units of measurement in each ratio match and the proportion can
be solved:
8 oz
=
50 oz
1 glass x glass
The patient can be taught to drink 8 1/3 glasses daily.

7
Patient A: Order: lacosamide 100 mg oral solution twice daily; Available: 10 mg per mL
Patient B: Order: octreotide 0.1 mg subcut daily for 2 weeks; Available: 200 mcg/mL Patient
C: Order: rosuvastatin 80 mg PO daily in evening; Available: 40 mg tablets Patient D: Order:
cephalexin 500 mg PO every 12 hr; Available: 250 mg tablets
Which of the following orders will require the nurse to do a conversion before administering
the ordered 2,000 medications?
A Patient A
B Patient B
C Patient C
D Patient D
ANSWER: B
Feedback
The unit of measurement in the order for Patient B (mg) does not match the unit of
measurement of the available medication from the pharmacy (mcg). The nurse will need to
convert 0.1 mg to mcg before administering the medication.
12. The patient is to take 20 mEq of potassium chloride oral solution daily. The medication bottle is
labeled 40 mEq per 15 mL. The patient’s wife asks the home health nurse how many teaspoons
of potassium chloride she should give her husband. The nurse sets up the following fractional
proportion:
40mEq 20mEq
=
15 mL x mL
The nurse solves for x mL, then converts the answer to tsp. The nurse instructs the patient’s
wife to administer teaspoons to her husband daily.
A 1
B 1 ½
C 3
D 7 ½
ANSWER: B
Feedback
The answer to the fractional proportion is 7.5 mL. Using the equivalent 5 mL = 1 tsp, the
nurse converts 7.5 mL to 1 ½ tsp.
13. The patient weighs 134 lb. How many kg does the patient weigh?
A 60.9
B 62

8
C 268
D 294.8
ANSWER: A
Feedback
2.2lb 134 lb
The setup is
1 kg
=
x kg
The patient weighs 60.9 kg
14. The order is for oxacillin 0.1 g IM now. The nurse has a multidose vial of oxacillin labeled
250 mg/1.5 mL. The nurse sets up the following proportion:
250 mg 0.1 g
=
1.5 mL x mL
The nurse converts 0.1 g to mg, then solves the proportion by cross multiplication. How much
medication will the nurse administer to the patient?
A 0.5 mL
B 0.6 mL
C 1 mL
D 1.6 mL
ANSWER: B
Feedback
Because the units in the proportion do not match, the nurse converts 0.1 g to 100 mg (move
the decimal three places to the right). After doing the conversion, the setup is
250mg 100mg
=
1.5 mL x mL
The units now match, and the nurse can cross multiply to solve the proportion. The nurse will
administer 0.6 mL of oxacillin IM.
15. The following 0900 medication is on the medication administration record (MAR):
PARoxetine hydrochloride 7.5 mg PO daily.
PARoxetine is available as an oral suspension 10 mg/5 mL. How many mL of PARoxetine will
the nurse administer?
A 0.75 mL
B 3.5 mL
C 3.75 mL
D 5 mL

9
ANSWER: C
Feedback
Set up the proportion with the known ratio (dosage strength from the available medication,
10 mg 7.5 mg
5 mL
), and the unknown ratio (the order and the unknown x
x mL
. The nurse will
administer 3.75 mL.

1
Chapter 7: Dimensional Analysis
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. To work with the dimensional analysis method, the nurse needs to understand and recognize
conversion factors. Which of the following fractions is not used as a conversion factor?
A 1g
1,000 mg
B 1 Tbs
3 tsp
C 0.1 mcg
1 mL
D 5 L
x
ANSWER: D
Feedback
5 L
x
contains the unknown x, which is a part of the desired amount in the dimensional
1g
analysis problem. The unknown is not included in a conversion factor.
1,000 mg
is a
1 tbs
conversion factor with two metric equivalent measurements.
3 tsp
is a conversion factor
0.1 mcg
with two household equivalent measurements.
1 mL
is a conversion factor using the
dosage strength of a medication.
2. The patient is to receive 50 mcg of a medication PO daily. The pharmacy sends a 20 mL
bottle of the medication with the dosage strength of 15 mcg per mL. Identify the ordered
amount and the desired amount for this dimensional analysis setup.
A 20 mL
 = 15 mcg
1

2
B 50 mcg
= 1 mL
1
C 50 mc
1
g
= x mL
D 15 mg
1
= x mcg
ANSWER: C
Feedback
The ordered amount is the dose that the patient is to receive: 50 mcg of a medication PO
50 mcg
daily. The ordered dose is written as a fraction:
1
The desired amount is the answer to the problem. It contains the unknown and the unit of
measurement desired for the answer: x mL.
3. The medication administration record (MAR) includes an order for erythromycin
ethylsuccinate oral suspension 750 mg every 8 hr PO. The medication drawer contains a 30
mL bottle of erythromycin ethylsuccinate oral suspension labeled 400 mg/5 mL. Which of the
following is the correct setup for the problem?
ANSWER: C
Feedback
750mg
The correct setup for this problem first starts with the ordered amount
1
; second,
includes the desired amount, x mL ; and finally includes a conversion factor (dosage strength
of the medication). The setup for this problem is:
A 750 mg 5 mL
 = x mL
1 400 mg
B 750 mg 30 mL
 = x mL
1 400 mg
C 400 mg 5 mL
 = x mL
1 750 mg
D 30 mL 400 mg
 = x mL
1 750 mg

3
4. The doctor orders 1.5 mg of a medication IV push BID. The pharmacy provides a vial of the
medication with the dosage strength of 500 mcg per mL. The nurse sets up the problem as:
1.5 mg 1 mL
= x mL
1 500mcg
Identify the conversion factor needed to cancel the unnecessary units.
A 1 L
1,000 mL
B 1mg
1,000 mcg
C 1,000mcg
1 mg
D 1 mcg
1.5 mg
ANSWER: C
Feedback
The conversion factor must cancel the unnecessary units of measurement, leaving only the
unit desired for the answer. The setup is:
1.5 mg 1 mL 1,000mcg
= x mL
1 500mcg 1mg
The mg and mcg units cancel, leaving the unit mL for the answer.
5. The nurse has ketoprofen 25 mg tablets in unit dose form. The ordered dose is ketoprofen
0.05 g PO QID. The nurse sets up the following:
0.05 g 1tablet
= x tablets
1 25 mg
Which conversion factor is needed to solve for the desired amount?
750 mg

1
5 mL
400 mg
= x mL
The mg units cancel, leaving the unit mL for the answer.

4
A 1 tablet
0.5 g
B 25 mg
1 tablet
C 1 g
1,000 mg
D 1,000 mg
1g
ANSWER: D
Feedback
1,000 mg
Using the conversion factor
1g
, the setup is:
0.05 g 1tablet 1,000 mg
= x tablets
1 25 mg 1g
1,000 mg
The conversion factor
1g
will cancel the unnecessary units (g and mg) and leave
the answer with the desired unit, tablets.
6. The nurse is preparing 1,400 medications for the following patients:
Patient A: Order: lithium 300 mg PO daily; Available: 150 mg tablets
Patient B: Order: NIFEdipine 60 mg sustained release tablets PO daily; Available: 20 mg tablets
Patient C: Order: lamoTRIgine 0.025 g PO daily; Available: 25 mg tablets
Patient D: Order: pantoprazole 40 mg PO daily; Available: 40 mg/tablet
Which of the following orders will require the nurse to add an additional conversion factor to
solve the problem?
A Patient A
B Patient B
C Patient C
D Patient D
ANSWER: C
Feedback

5
7. The order is for digoxin injection 0.05 mg IV this morning. A 2 mL vial of digoxin injection in
the patient’s medication drawer has the following on the label:
500 mcg per 2 mL
0.5 mg per 2 mL
(250 mcg per mL)
Select the dosage strength that has the same unit of measurement as the ordered dose.
A 500 mcg per 2 mL
B 0.5 mg per 2 mL
C 250 mcg per 1 mL
D 0.05 mg per 2 mL
ANSWER: B
Feedback
Because the order is in mg, the nurse can use 0.5 mg per 2 mL to solve the problem. The
choices with “mcg” require an additional conversion factor (from mg to mcg) to calculate the
dose. “0.05 mg per 2 mL” is not a dosage strength written on this label.
8. The patient has an order for 5,000 units of heparin subcut now. Nurse A has prepared the dose
of 5,000 units of heparin. Following standard practice, she shows the multidose vial of heparin
(20,000 units per mL) and the syringe with the drawn dose to Nurse B for validation. What
amount of heparin should Nurse B expect to see in the syringe that Nurse A has prepared?
A 0.2 mL
B 0.25 mL
C 2 mL
D 2.5 mL
ANSWER: B
Feedback
Setup for this problem is:
The unit of measurement in the order for Patient C (gram) does not match the unit of
measurement of the available medication from the pharmacy (milligram). The nurse will
need to add an additional conversion factor (converting grams to milligrams) before
administering the medication.
0.025 g 1 tablet 1,000 mg
The setup is   = x tablet
1 25 mg 1g

6
9. The nurse is preparing to administer cefpodoxime 150 mg PO every 12 hr. Cefpodoxime is
available as oral suspension 100 mg/5 mL. How many mL of cefpodoxime will the nurse
administer?
A 0.7 mL
B 0.75 mL
C 7 mL
D 7.5 mL
ANSWER: D
Feedback
The setup is
150 mg 5 mL
= x mL . The nurse will administer 7.5 mL.
1 100 mg
10. The patient weighs 220 lb. How many kg does the patient weigh?
A 100
B 110
C 400
D 484
ANSWER: A
Feedback
The setup is
220lb 1 kg
= x kg
. The patient weighs 100 kg.
1 2.2 lb
11. The patient’s laceration is 10 cm long. How many inches is the laceration?
A 2.54 inches
B 3.937 inches
C 25.4 inches
D 39.37 inches
5,000units

1
1 mL
20,000 units
= x mL
x = 0.25 mL

7
ANSWER: B
Feedback
The conversion factor between cm and inches is 2.54 cm = 1 inch. The setup of this
problem is:
10 cm 1 inch
= x inches
1 2.54 cm
The cm units cancel, leaving the unit inches in the answer. The patient’s laceration is 3.937
inches long.
12. The patient is to take 10 mEq of potassium gluconate daily. The medication bottle is labeled 20
mEq per 15 mL. The patient’s wife asks the home health nurse how many teaspoons of
potassium gluconate she should give her husband. The nurse instructs her to administer
teaspoon(s) to her husband daily.
A 1
B 1 ½
C 3
D 7 ½
ANSWER: B
Feedback
The nurse will need to use several conversion factors to solve this problem. The setup is
10 mEq 15 mL 1tsp
 = x tsp . The nurse will tell the patient’s wife to give her
1 20 mEq 5 mL
husband 1 ½ tsp of potassium gluconate daily.
13. The patient is to take methocarbamol 1.5 g PO 4 times a day for back pain. The pharmacy
dispenses a bottle of methocarbamol labeled 750 mg tablets. How many tablets will the
patient take for each dose?
A 1 tablet
B 2 tablets
C 3 tablets
D 5 tablets
ANSWER: B
Feedback
The nurse will need to add a conversion factor to solve this problem.
1.5 g 1tablet 1,000 mg
The setup is = x tablet
1 750 mg 1g

8
14. The order is for cefaclor 0.35 g PO every 8 hr. A bottle of cefaclor oral suspension is in the
patient’s medication drawer. The dosage strength of the medication is 180 mg/5 mL. How
many mL will the nurse give to the patient to administer the ordered dose?
A 3.6 mL
B 5 mL
C 8.33 mL
D 9.7 mL
ANSWER: D
Feedback
0.35 g 5 mL 1,000 mg
The setup is = x mL .
1 180mg 1 g
The g and mg units cancel. The nurse will administer 9.72 mL (9.7 mL) of cefaclor.
15. The patient is to receive desmopressin 0.001 mg subcut every 12 hr. Desmopressin for
Injection is available with a dosage strength of 4 mcg per mL. How many mL will the nurse
administer per dose?
A 0.25 mL
B 0.5 mL
C 1 mL
D 1.5 mL
ANSWER:
Feedback
The setup is
0.001 mg 1 mL 1,000 mcg
The mg and mcg units cancel. The nurse will administer 0.25 mL of desmopressin per dose.
The patient will take 2 tablets for each dose.
  = x mL
1 4 mcg 1 mg

1
Chapter 8: Formula Method
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The M.D. orders 5 mg of Medication B PO daily before breakfast. The pharmacy sends a 50
mL bottle of Medication B oral suspension 20 mg per 15 mL. The nurse uses the formula
method to determine how much medication to administer.
D
 Q = x
H
Which of the following represents the D in the formula setup?
A 5 mg
B 20 mg
C 15 mL
D 50 mL
ANSWER: A
Feedback
The D in the formula represents the desired dose, or the ordered dose of medication. In this
problem, D = 5 mg.
2. The nurse locates a 10 mL vial of Medication L in the patient’s medication drawer. The vial is
labeled Medication L 80 mcg/mL. The order is for 120 mcg of Medication L subcut daily. The
nurse uses the formula method to determine how much medication to administer.
D
 Q = x
H
Which of the following represents the H in the formula setup?
A 80 mcg
B 120 mcg
C 1 mL
D 10 mL
ANSWER: A
Feedback
The H in the formula represents the dose you have, or the strength of the medication
written on the drug label. In this problem, H = 80 mcg.

1
IF YOU WANT THIS TEST BANK OR
SOLUTION MANUAL EMAIL ME
kevinkariuki227@gmail.com TO RECEIVE ALL
CHAPTERS IN PDF FORMAT
IF YOU WANT THIS TEST BANK OR
SOLUTION MANUAL EMAIL ME
kevinkariuki227@gmail.com TO RECEIVE ALL
CHAPTERS IN PDF FORMAT

Test bank calculating drug dosages a patient safe approach to nursing and math 2nd edition by castillo werner mccullough (1).pdf

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