Drug Dosage Calculations: Oral Medications Practice Exam Quiz
A patient is prescribed 500 mg of a medication. The tablets available are 250 mg each. How many tablets should you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A prescription requires 1.2 g of a drug. The tablets available are 400 mg each. How many tablets should you administer?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
The prescription reads 250 mg of a drug. The oral suspension available is 100 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you give?
10 mL
B. 12.5 mL
C. 7.5 mL
D. 15 mL
A child is prescribed 15 mg/kg/day of a drug in 3 divided doses. The child weighs 20 kg. What is the dose per administration?
50 mg
B. 100 mg
C. 150 mg
D. 200 mg
A medication order is for 0.5 g. The tablets available are labeled 250 mg. How many tablets will you give?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A prescription reads 150 mg, and the stock solution is 50 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 15 mL
C. 20 mL
D. 25 mL
A patient is ordered 2.5 g of medication. How many milligrams is this?
25 mg
B. 250 mg
C. 2500 mg
D. 25,000 mg
The order is for 0.3 g, and you have tablets of 100 mg. How many tablets do you give?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A prescription requires 400 mg of a medication. The syrup is 200 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you give?
5 mL
B. 10 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
The doctor prescribes 0.75 g of medication. How many milligrams is this?
75 mg
B. 750 mg
C. 7.5 mg
D. 7500 mg
A child is prescribed 120 mg, and the suspension is 40 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you give?
10 mL
B. 15 mL
C. 20 mL
D. 25 mL
A medication is ordered as 1.5 g, and you have tablets of 500 mg. How many tablets should be administered?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
The prescription reads 0.25 g of medication. The tablets available are 125 mg each. How many tablets do you give?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A dose of 1.2 g is prescribed. The medication comes as 400 mg tablets. How many tablets will you give?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
A patient is prescribed 80 mg of a drug. The solution available is 20 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
15 mL
B. 20 mL
C. 25 mL
D. 30 mL
A prescription requires 0.4 g of medication. The tablets are 200 mg each. How many tablets do you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A child weighing 25 kg is prescribed 10 mg/kg of a drug per day, in two divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
100 mg
B. 125 mg
C. 150 mg
D. 250 mg
A patient is ordered 0.8 g of medication. The tablets available are 400 mg. How many tablets should be given?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
The prescription is for 500 mg, and the solution available is 100 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 20 mL
C. 25 mL
D. 30 mL
A prescription calls for 1.8 g of a drug. The tablets available are 600 mg each. How many tablets are required?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
A patient needs 0.5 g of a medication. How many milligrams is this?
50 mg
B. 500 mg
C. 5000 mg
D. 50,000 mg
The prescription is for 90 mg of a drug. The suspension is 30 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 15 mL
C. 20 mL
D. 25 mL
The patient is prescribed 2 g of a medication. Each tablet contains 500 mg. How many tablets should be given?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
A dose of 1.25 g is prescribed. The available tablets are 250 mg. How many tablets should be administered?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
A prescription is for 450 mg of a drug. The suspension available is 150 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 15 mL
C. 20 mL
D. 25 mL
The prescription requires 0.9 g. The tablets available are 300 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
A dose of 0.5 g is required. The solution available is 100 mg/5 mL. How many mL should be given?
15 mL
B. 20 mL
C. 25 mL
D. 30 mL
The prescription is for 1.6 g, and the tablets available are 800 mg. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A prescription requires 360 mg. The suspension is 120 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you give?
10 mL
B. 15 mL
C. 20 mL
D. 25 mL
A child weighing 30 kg is prescribed 6 mg/kg/day of a medication in 3 divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
30 mg
B. 40 mg
C. 50 mg
D. 60 mg
A patient is prescribed 125 mg of a medication. The tablets available are 25 mg. How many tablets should you give?
3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
A prescription reads 0.25 g of a drug, and the solution available is 50 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
20 mL
B. 25 mL
C. 30 mL
D. 35 mL
A child is prescribed 30 mg/kg of a drug once daily. The child weighs 10 kg. What is the daily dose?
200 mg
B. 250 mg
C. 300 mg
D. 350 mg
A prescription is written for 375 mg. The available suspension is 125 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 12.5 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A patient requires 2.4 g of a drug. The available tablets are 400 mg. How many tablets will you give?
4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
A medication order reads 90 mg of a drug. The stock solution is 30 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 12.5 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
The doctor prescribes 0.6 g of a medication. The available tablets are 200 mg each. How many tablets will you give?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
A child is prescribed 8 mg/kg of a medication every 12 hours. The child weighs 25 kg. What is the dose per administration?
100 mg
B. 150 mg
C. 200 mg
D. 250 mg
A patient needs 0.75 g of a drug. The tablets available are 250 mg. How many tablets should be given?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
A prescription reads 0.45 g, and the suspension available is 150 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 12.5 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A prescription requires 1.5 g of a drug, and the available solution is 500 mg/5 mL. How many mL should be administered?
10 mL
B. 12.5 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A child is prescribed 100 mg of a medication. The available suspension is 25 mg/5 mL. How many mL should you give?
15 mL
B. 20 mL
C. 25 mL
D. 30 mL
A prescription reads 1 g of a drug. The available tablets are 250 mg. How many tablets will you administer?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
A patient is prescribed 2.5 g of a drug. The available syrup is 500 mg/10 mL. How many mL will you administer?
30 mL
B. 40 mL
C. 50 mL
D. 60 mL
A child weighing 40 kg is prescribed 5 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
50 mg
B. 100 mg
C. 150 mg
D. 200 mg
A prescription calls for 0.9 g of a drug, and the available suspension is 300 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 12.5 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A patient is ordered 750 mg of a drug. The available solution is 150 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
20 mL
B. 25 mL
C. 30 mL
D. 35 mL
The prescription is for 2 g of medication. The tablets available are 400 mg. How many tablets will you administer?
3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
A prescription requires 180 mg of a drug. The suspension is 60 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 12.5 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A child is prescribed 12 mg/kg of a drug once daily. The child weighs 30 kg. What is the daily dose?
200 mg
B. 300 mg
C. 360 mg
D. 400 mg
A prescription is written for 250 mg of a drug. The tablets available are 125 mg each. How many tablets will you give?
1
B. 1.5
C. 2
D. 2.5
A patient needs 1.8 g of a drug. The available solution is 600 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 12.5 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A child is prescribed 10 mg/kg/day of a medication. The child weighs 15 kg. What is the total daily dose?
100 mg
B. 120 mg
C. 150 mg
D. 200 mg
A patient requires 500 mg of a medication. The available tablets are 250 mg. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A prescription calls for 900 mg of a drug. The available suspension is 300 mg/10 mL. How many mL will you administer?
20 mL
B. 25 mL
C. 30 mL
D. 35 mL
A child is prescribed 15 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. The child weighs 20 kg. What is the dose per administration?
100 mg
B. 150 mg
C. 200 mg
D. 300 mg
A patient needs 3.6 g of a drug. The tablets available are 600 mg each. How many tablets will you give?
4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
A prescription reads 450 mg of a drug, and the available solution is 150 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 12.5 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A patient weighing 50 kg is prescribed 20 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
200 mg
B. 300 mg
C. 400 mg
D. 500 mg
A patient is prescribed 2.5 g of a drug. The available syrup is 500 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
20 mL
B. 25 mL
C. 30 mL
D. 35 mL
A prescription calls for 0.8 g of a drug. The available tablets are 400 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A child is prescribed 25 mg/kg/day of a drug in four divided doses. The child weighs 12 kg. What is the dose per administration?
50 mg
B. 75 mg
C. 100 mg
D. 125 mg
A prescription reads 1.2 g of a drug. The available solution is 600 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
5 mL
B. 10 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A patient is prescribed 100 mg of a medication. The tablets available are 25 mg each. How many tablets will you give?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
A child is prescribed 8 mg/kg of a drug every 8 hours. The child weighs 25 kg. What is the dose per administration?
150 mg
B. 160 mg
C. 175 mg
D. 200 mg
A patient requires 2.4 g of a drug. The available suspension is 400 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
25 mL
B. 30 mL
C. 35 mL
D. 40 mL
A prescription reads 0.6 g of a medication. The tablets available are 200 mg. How many tablets should you administer?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
A child weighing 18 kg is prescribed 12 mg/kg/day of a medication in three divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
50 mg
B. 60 mg
C. 70 mg
D. 75 mg
A patient is prescribed 1.5 g of a drug. The available solution is 750 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 12.5 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A prescription calls for 900 mg of a medication. The available tablets are 300 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A child is prescribed 15 mg/kg/day of a drug in three divided doses. The child weighs 20 kg. What is the dose per administration?
75 mg
B. 100 mg
C. 150 mg
D. 200 mg
A patient requires 2.4 g of a drug. The available tablets are 600 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
A prescription calls for 1.5 g of a drug. The available solution is 750 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
5 mL
B. 10 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A patient weighing 60 kg is prescribed 10 mg/kg of a medication daily. What is the total daily dose?
400 mg
B. 500 mg
C. 600 mg
D. 700 mg
A prescription calls for 250 mg of a drug. The available tablets are 125 mg. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 1.5
C. 2
D. 2.5
A child is prescribed 8 mg/kg every 6 hours. The child weighs 25 kg. What is the dose per administration?
150 mg
B. 160 mg
C. 175 mg
D. 200 mg
A patient is prescribed 1.2 g of a drug. The available solution is 400 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 12.5 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A patient weighing 80 kg is prescribed 20 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
800 mg
B. 1,200 mg
C. 1,600 mg
D. 2,000 mg
A prescription calls for 1.5 g of a medication. The available tablets are 500 mg. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A prescription is written for 750 mg of a drug. The solution available is 250 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 15 mL
C. 20 mL
D. 25 mL
A child weighing 18 kg is prescribed 20 mg/kg/day of a medication in four divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
75 mg
B. 90 mg
C. 100 mg
D. 120 mg
A patient is prescribed 1 g of a drug. The available suspension is 500 mg/10 mL. How many mL will you administer?
15 mL
B. 20 mL
C. 25 mL
D. 30 mL
A prescription reads 300 mg of a medication. The available tablets are 100 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
A patient is prescribed 1.8 g of a drug. The available tablets are 600 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
A prescription calls for 2.4 g of a medication. The available suspension is 400 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
20 mL
B. 25 mL
C. 30 mL
D. 35 mL
A patient weighing 50 kg is prescribed 10 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
150 mg
B. 160 mg
C. 175 mg
D. 200 mg
A prescription reads 600 mg of a drug. The available solution is 300 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
5 mL
B. 10 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A child is prescribed 12 mg/kg of a drug every 12 hours. The child weighs 30 kg. What is the dose per administration?
300 mg
B. 320 mg
C. 350 mg
D. 360 mg
A patient requires 900 mg of a drug. The tablets available are 300 mg. How many tablets will you administer?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
A prescription calls for 1.2 g of a medication. The available tablets are 600 mg. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A prescription calls for 300 mg of a drug. The available tablets are 100 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A patient weighing 65 kg is prescribed 15 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
150 mg
B. 300 mg
C. 325 mg
D. 350 mg
A child is prescribed 10 mg/kg of a medication every 8 hours. The child weighs 20 kg. What is the dose per administration?
100 mg
B. 150 mg
C. 200 mg
D. 250 mg
A prescription reads 600 mg of a medication. The available solution is 200 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
5 mL
B. 10 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A patient is prescribed 2.5 g of a medication. The available tablets are 500 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
A prescription calls for 1.2 g of a drug. The available suspension is 600 mg/10 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 12 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A child is prescribed 20 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. The child weighs 18 kg. What is the dose per administration?
180 mg
B. 200 mg
C. 250 mg
D. 300 mg
A prescription reads 500 mg of a medication. The available tablets are 250 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A patient weighing 70 kg is prescribed 10 mg/kg of a drug daily. What is the total daily dose?
500 mg
B. 600 mg
C. 700 mg
D. 800 mg
A prescription calls for 2.5 g of a medication. The available solution is 500 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
20 mL
B. 25 mL
C. 30 mL
D. 35 mL
A child is prescribed 5 mg/kg of a medication in three divided doses. The child weighs 16 kg. What is the dose per administration?
25 mg
B. 30 mg
C. 35 mg
D. 40 mg
A prescription reads 1.5 g of a drug. The available tablets are 500 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A prescription calls for 0.6 g of a drug. The available solution is 200 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
5 mL
B. 7.5 mL
C. 10 mL
D. 15 mL
A patient is prescribed 500 mg of a drug. The available tablets are 250 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A patient is prescribed 2.4 g of a medication. The available tablets are 600 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
A child is prescribed 25 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. The child weighs 15 kg. What is the dose per administration?
150 mg
B. 175 mg
C. 200 mg
D. 225 mg
A prescription calls for 300 mg of a drug. The available solution is 150 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
5 mL
B. 7.5 mL
C. 10 mL
D. 12.5 mL
A prescription reads 600 mg of a drug. The available solution is 200 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
5 mL
B. 7.5 mL
C. 10 mL
D. 15 mL
A child weighing 22 kg is prescribed 15 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
90 mg
B. 100 mg
C. 110 mg
D. 120 mg
A patient is prescribed 1.2 g of a drug. The available suspension is 400 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 12.5 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A prescription reads 750 mg of a drug. The available tablets are 250 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A child is prescribed 0.5 mg/kg every 6 hours. The child weighs 12 kg. What is the dose per administration?
2.5 mg
B. 3 mg
C. 4 mg
D. 5 mg
A patient weighing 70 kg is prescribed 20 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
400 mg
B. 450 mg
C. 500 mg
D. 600 mg
A prescription calls for 1.8 g of a medication. The available solution is 600 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 12.5 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A patient is prescribed 500 mg of a drug. The available solution is 100 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 15 mL
C. 20 mL
D. 25 mL
A prescription calls for 400 mg of a drug. The available tablets are 200 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A child is prescribed 25 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. The child weighs 18 kg. What is the dose per administration?
225 mg
B. 250 mg
C. 275 mg
D. 300 mg
A patient weighing 55 kg is prescribed 15 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
275 mg
B. 300 mg
C. 325 mg
D. 350 mg
A prescription reads 200 mg of a drug. The available solution is 100 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
2 mL
B. 3 mL
C. 4 mL
D. 5 mL
A patient is prescribed 1.2 g of a drug. The available tablets are 600 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A child is prescribed 10 mg/kg every 8 hours. The child weighs 15 kg. What is the dose per administration?
100 mg
B. 125 mg
C. 150 mg
D. 175 mg
A patient weighing 45 kg is prescribed 12 mg/kg/day in four divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
135 mg
B. 150 mg
C. 180 mg
D. 200 mg
A prescription reads 1.5 g of a drug. The available solution is 250 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
15 mL
B. 20 mL
C. 25 mL
D. 30 mL
A patient is prescribed 500 mg of a drug. The available tablets are 250 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A prescription calls for 1 g of a drug. The available solution is 500 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
5 mL
B. 10 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A patient weighing 65 kg is prescribed 12 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
390 mg
B. 400 mg
C. 420 mg
D. 450 mg
A child is prescribed 15 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. The child weighs 12 kg. What is the dose per administration?
50 mg
B. 55 mg
C. 60 mg
D. 65 mg
A prescription reads 750 mg of a drug. The available tablets are 150 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
A patient weighing 50 kg is prescribed 18 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
250 mg
B. 300 mg
C. 350 mg
D. 400 mg
A prescription reads 1.8 g of a drug. The available suspension is 600 mg/10 mL. How many mL will you administer?
15 mL
B. 20 mL
C. 25 mL
D. 30 mL
A prescription reads 900 mg of a drug. The available tablets are 300 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A child is prescribed 5 mg/kg every 6 hours. The child weighs 24 kg. What is the dose per administration?
100 mg
B. 120 mg
C. 140 mg
D. 160 mg
A patient weighing 80 kg is prescribed 12 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
450 mg
B. 480 mg
C. 500 mg
D. 600 mg
A prescription reads 500 mg of a drug. The available suspension is 250 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
5 mL
B. 7.5 mL
C. 10 mL
D. 12 mL
A child is prescribed 10 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. The child weighs 20 kg. What is the dose per administration?
60 mg
B. 70 mg
C. 80 mg
D. 90 mg
A prescription calls for 500 mg of a drug. The available tablets are 200 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
A patient weighing 65 kg is prescribed 10 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
300 mg
B. 325 mg
C. 350 mg
D. 375 mg
A prescription reads 450 mg of a drug. The available tablets are 150 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A child is prescribed 15 mg/kg every 8 hours. The child weighs 18 kg. What is the dose per administration?
225 mg
B. 270 mg
C. 300 mg
D. 350 mg
A prescription reads 1.5 g of a drug. The available solution is 300 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
15 mL
B. 20 mL
C. 25 mL
D. 30 mL
A patient weighing 55 kg is prescribed 12 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
225 mg
B. 275 mg
C. 300 mg
D. 350 mg
A prescription calls for 200 mg of a drug. The available solution is 100 mg/10 mL. How many mL will you administer?
5 mL
B. 10 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A child is prescribed 8 mg/kg every 6 hours. The child weighs 12 kg. What is the dose per administration?
70 mg
B. 75 mg
C. 80 mg
D. 85 mg
A prescription reads 600 mg of a drug. The available tablets are 150 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
A patient weighing 50 kg is prescribed 18 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
450 mg
B. 500 mg
C. 550 mg
D. 600 mg
A prescription reads 2.4 g of a drug. The available suspension is 800 mg/10 mL. How many mL will you administer?
25 mL
B. 30 mL
C. 35 mL
D. 40 mL
A child is prescribed 20 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. The child weighs 22 kg. What is the dose per administration?
200 mg
B. 220 mg
C. 240 mg
D. 250 mg
A prescription calls for 1 g of a drug. The available tablets are 500 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A patient is prescribed 12 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. The patient weighs 60 kg. What is the dose per administration?
500 mg
B. 600 mg
C. 700 mg
D. 800 mg
A prescription reads 1.2 g of a drug. The available solution is 400 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 12.5 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A prescription reads 800 mg of a drug. The available tablets are 400 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
A child is prescribed 7 mg/kg every 8 hours. The child weighs 25 kg. What is the dose per administration?
150 mg
B. 175 mg
C. 200 mg
D. 225 mg
A prescription reads 300 mg of a drug. The available solution is 100 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
5 mL
B. 10 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A patient weighing 70 kg is prescribed 18 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
400 mg
B. 420 mg
C. 450 mg
D. 480 mg
A prescription calls for 2.4 g of a drug. The available tablets are 600 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
A child is prescribed 30 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. The child weighs 10 kg. What is the dose per administration?
75 mg
B. 80 mg
C. 85 mg
D. 90 mg
A prescription reads 600 mg of a drug. The available solution is 200 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
10 mL
B. 12 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A patient weighing 50 kg is prescribed 10 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
250 mg
B. 275 mg
C. 300 mg
D. 350 mg
A prescription reads 1 g of a drug. The available tablets are 250 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
A patient weighing 80 kg is prescribed 10 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
400 mg
B. 450 mg
C. 500 mg
D. 550 mg
A child is prescribed 5 mg/kg every 4 hours. The child weighs 16 kg. What is the dose per administration?
60 mg
B. 70 mg
C. 80 mg
D. 90 mg
A prescription reads 1.2 g of a drug. The available suspension is 400 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
15 mL
B. 18 mL
C. 20 mL
D. 25 mL
A patient weighing 75 kg is prescribed 12 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
275 mg
B. 300 mg
C. 325 mg
D. 350 mg
A prescription calls for 2 g of a drug. The available solution is 500 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
15 mL
B. 20 mL
C. 25 mL
D. 30 mL
A child is prescribed 10 mg/kg every 6 hours. The child weighs 12 kg. What is the dose per administration?
100 mg
B. 110 mg
C. 120 mg
D. 130 mg
A patient weighing 60 kg is prescribed 15 mg/kg/day in four divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
200 mg
B. 225 mg
C. 250 mg
D. 275 mg
A prescription reads 1.5 g of a drug. The available tablets are 500 mg each. How many tablets will you administer?
2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
A child is prescribed 20 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. The child weighs 15 kg. What is the dose per administration?
150 mg
B. 160 mg
C. 175 mg
D. 180 mg
A prescription reads 1 g of a drug. The available solution is 500 mg/5 mL. How many mL will you administer?
5 mL
B. 10 mL
C. 15 mL
D. 20 mL
A patient weighing 45 kg is prescribed 16 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. What is the dose per administration?
200 mg
B. 250 mg
C. 275 mg
D. 300 mg
Questions and Answers for Study Guide
Explain the process of calculating oral medication dosages, and describe the various formulas used in drug dosage calculations. Provide examples of when each formula should be used.
Answer:
Drug dosage calculations are essential in ensuring that a patient receives the correct amount of medication. The process typically involves using formulas based on the order, available medication strength, and the patient’s characteristics, such as weight or age.
Key Formulas Used in Drug Dosage Calculations:
- Basic Formula:
- Formula: Dosage to administer=Desired doseAvailable dose×Amount available\text{Dosage to administer} = \frac{\text{Desired dose}}{\text{Available dose}} \times \text{Amount available}
- Example: A patient is prescribed 500 mg, and the available tablets are 250 mg each. 500 mg250 mg×1 tablet=2 tablets\frac{500 \, \text{mg}}{250 \, \text{mg}} \times 1 \, \text{tablet} = 2 \, \text{tablets} This calculation shows that 2 tablets of 250 mg each are needed to provide a 500 mg dose.
- Body Weight-Based Calculation (used for pediatric or weight-based medication doses):
- Formula: Dose per administration=Dose per kg×Weight in kg\text{Dose per administration} = \text{Dose per kg} \times \text{Weight in kg}
- Example: A child weighing 20 kg is prescribed 10 mg/kg of a drug. 10 mg/kg×20 kg=200 mg10 \, \text{mg/kg} \times 20 \, \text{kg} = 200 \, \text{mg} The child will receive 200 mg per dose.
- Volume-Based Calculation for Liquid Medications:
- Formula: Volume to administer=Desired doseConcentration of solution×Volume of solution\text{Volume to administer} = \frac{\text{Desired dose}}{\text{Concentration of solution}} \times \text{Volume of solution}
- Example: A prescription reads 500 mg of a drug, and the available solution is 100 mg/5 mL. 500 mg100 mg×5 mL=25 mL\frac{500 \, \text{mg}}{100 \, \text{mg}} \times 5 \, \text{mL} = 25 \, \text{mL} The patient will need to take 25 mL of the solution.
Each formula is used based on the type of medication being administered and the specific requirements of the patient, such as weight-based or liquid dose calculations.
Describe the challenges in calculating oral medication dosages for pediatric patients. How do weight-based calculations help mitigate these challenges?
Answer:
Calculating oral medication dosages for pediatric patients presents several challenges, including:
- Variability in Dosage: Pediatric patients vary greatly in size, age, and weight, making it difficult to apply standard adult dosages. The same medication may require different dosages depending on the child’s weight and age group.
- Weight and Age-Specific Adjustments: Children metabolize medications differently than adults. For example, younger children may need lower doses due to immature liver and kidney function, while older children may require doses closer to adult levels.
- Accuracy in Measurements: Pediatric dosages often require precise measurements, especially with liquid medications. If these measurements are not made accurately, under or overdosing can occur, potentially leading to adverse effects or inadequate treatment.
To address these challenges, weight-based calculations are employed. This method calculates the appropriate medication dose based on the child’s weight (in kilograms), ensuring that each patient receives the correct amount relative to their size. Weight-based dosing also considers metabolic differences and the child’s unique physiology.
For example:
- If a pediatric patient weighing 15 kg is prescribed 10 mg/kg of a drug: Dose=10 mg/kg×15 kg=150 mg\text{Dose} = 10 \, \text{mg/kg} \times 15 \, \text{kg} = 150 \, \text{mg} This dose is more accurate than using an adult dosage, ensuring that the child receives the correct therapeutic dose for their weight.
By adjusting dosages based on weight, pediatric care providers can ensure safe and effective drug administration for children, reducing the risk of overdosing or underdosing.
What is the importance of accurate drug dosage calculations in the prevention of medication errors, and how can healthcare providers ensure the correct dosage is administered?
Answer:
Accurate drug dosage calculations are critical in preventing medication errors, which can result in adverse drug reactions, ineffective treatment, and even death. These errors can occur due to incorrect calculations, misunderstanding prescription orders, or improper administration of drugs. Inaccurate dosages may lead to:
- Overdose: An overdose can occur if the patient receives too much of the drug, leading to toxicity or life-threatening complications. For example, incorrect calculation of liquid medication can result in an overdose if the prescribed volume is administered in error.
- Underdose: An underdose can result in insufficient therapeutic effects, leading to treatment failure or prolonged illness. Inadequate drug administration may also allow the disease to progress, causing the patient’s condition to worsen.
To prevent these errors and ensure the correct dosage is administered, healthcare providers can follow these best practices:
- Double-Checking Calculations: Every medication dose should be calculated and verified twice to ensure the correct amount is being prescribed. In hospitals, this process often involves a second nurse or pharmacist verifying the dosage.
- Using Standard Formulas and Units: Consistent use of standard formulas and units ensures that dosages are calculated accurately. Providers should avoid using abbreviations that may be misunderstood and ensure all measurements are clear (e.g., using milligrams instead of just “mg”).
- Weight-Based and Age-Based Calculations: For pediatric or geriatric patients, weight-based or age-based calculations should be used to adjust the dose. Providers should consider patient-specific factors such as renal function, age, and weight to determine the most appropriate dosage.
- Education and Training: Continuous education and training on drug dosage calculations should be a part of healthcare professionals’ ongoing development. This ensures that staff members are familiar with the latest techniques and guidelines for safe medication administration.
- Technology-Assisted Calculations: Many hospitals and clinics use computerized drug order systems that incorporate dosage calculators and warnings for potential errors. These systems help reduce human error in the calculation process.
By employing these strategies, healthcare providers can reduce the incidence of medication errors and improve patient safety by ensuring that the correct dosage of oral medications is administered.
Discuss the role of conversions in drug dosage calculations for oral medications. How does the use of conversion factors improve accuracy in the administration of oral drugs?
Answer:
In drug dosage calculations, conversions play a critical role in ensuring the correct dosage of oral medications is administered to the patient. Often, prescriptions and available medications are given in different units of measurement (e.g., milligrams, grams, milliliters, etc.), and proper conversions are essential to ensure accuracy.
Importance of Conversion in Dosage Calculations:
- Consistency in Measurement Units: Conversions allow healthcare providers to switch between different measurement units based on the prescription and the available medication. For instance, if a prescription states a dose in milligrams, but the medication comes in grams, conversions are needed to calculate the proper amount of the drug to be administered.
- Ensuring Accurate Dosages: Converting between units such as milliliters (mL) to teaspoons (tsp) or milligrams (mg) to micrograms (mcg) ensures that the correct volume or weight of the drug is given to the patient. A simple error in conversion can lead to significant medication errors, either underdosing or overdosing the patient.
For example:
- If a physician prescribes a dose of 500 mg, but the available medication is in grams, the calculation involves converting milligrams to grams: 500 mg=0.5 g500 \, \text{mg} = 0.5 \, \text{g} So, the patient would need 0.5 grams of the medication.
- Conversion Factors: Conversion factors are used to change one unit of measurement into another. Common conversion factors include:
- 1 gram = 1000 milligrams (mg)
- 1 milliliter = 1 cubic centimeter (cc)
- 1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters
- 1 ounce = 30 milliliters
- 1 kilogram = 1000 grams
Conversions help facilitate the calculation process by ensuring that medication is dosed according to the prescribed form and strength.
By using conversion factors, healthcare providers can ensure that they are administering the correct drug amount, regardless of the units of measurement. This method minimizes errors and ensures patient safety.
Explain how patient-specific factors, such as renal and liver function, weight, and age, influence the drug dosage calculations for oral medications.
Answer:
Patient-specific factors are essential in determining the correct dosage of oral medications. Since the way a body metabolizes and eliminates medications can vary based on age, weight, and organ function, it is crucial to account for these factors to ensure safe and effective treatment.
- Renal Function: The kidneys play a major role in the elimination of drugs from the body. If a patient has impaired renal function, drug elimination may be slowed, leading to a higher concentration of the drug in the bloodstream. In such cases, the dosage may need to be reduced or the dosing interval extended to avoid toxicity. For example, drugs like digoxin and certain antibiotics require dose adjustments in patients with kidney disease.
- Example: For a patient with chronic kidney disease, the prescribing physician might adjust the dosage of a medication that is primarily excreted through the kidneys, ensuring that drug accumulation doesn’t lead to toxicity.
- Liver Function: The liver is responsible for metabolizing many drugs. If a patient has impaired liver function, the liver’s ability to break down medications is diminished, which can lead to a buildup of the drug in the system. Therefore, drug dosages may need to be adjusted based on liver function tests (e.g., liver enzymes) to prevent drug toxicity.
- Example: Drugs like acetaminophen are metabolized by the liver, and in patients with liver impairment, the dosing may be reduced to avoid liver damage due to an accumulation of the drug.
- Weight: Weight-based dosing is especially important in pediatric and geriatric populations. The volume of distribution (the amount of drug that gets distributed throughout the body) varies with weight, so calculating the correct dose based on a patient’s body weight ensures that they receive an appropriate dose for their size.
- Example: A pediatric patient weighing 10 kg may need a dose of 10 mg per kg of body weight. For this patient: 10 mg/kg×10 kg=100 mg10 \, \text{mg/kg} \times 10 \, \text{kg} = 100 \, \text{mg} Therefore, the child would receive a dose of 100 mg.
- Age: Age is a major factor in drug dosing, particularly in pediatric and geriatric patients. In pediatrics, organ systems may not be fully developed, affecting the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs. Similarly, in older adults, the metabolism of drugs can slow down due to aging organs and declining renal function.
- Example: A pediatric patient may need a lower dosage of a medication than an adult due to developmental factors like slower metabolism. Alternatively, a geriatric patient may need reduced dosages because of decreased liver or kidney function, and dose adjustments are based on pharmacokinetic parameters.
Discuss the potential risks of improper drug dosage calculations in oral medication administration, and provide examples of how errors can impact patient safety.
Answer:
Improper drug dosage calculations can lead to a range of negative consequences, all of which can affect patient safety. Common errors include administering the wrong amount of medication, leading to underdosing or overdosing, both of which carry significant risks.
Types of Medication Errors and Associated Risks:
- Overdose:
- An overdose occurs when a patient receives more medication than the prescribed dose. This can happen due to miscalculations or misunderstanding of the dosage instructions. Overdosing can result in toxicity, adverse drug reactions, and even death.
- Example:
A patient is prescribed 500 mg of a drug, but the nurse mistakenly administers 1,000 mg due to a calculation error. This could result in severe adverse effects, such as organ damage, especially if the drug has a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., digoxin).
- Underdose:
- An underdose occurs when the medication dose is too low to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. This can lead to ineffective treatment and may allow the patient’s condition to worsen, as the drug might not reach the necessary blood concentration to be effective.
- Example:
A patient prescribed 300 mg of an antibiotic may receive only 150 mg due to a miscalculation. As a result, the infection may not be fully treated, and the patient may develop resistance to the antibiotic, leading to more severe illness.
- Incorrect Medication Formulation:
- Another error can involve providing the wrong formulation, such as giving a patient a liquid instead of a tablet, or vice versa. This could result in incorrect doses being administered.
- Example:
A child prescribed 10 mg of a drug may be given a 5 mg per 5 mL liquid formulation, leading to the child receiving only 5 mg instead of the prescribed dose, thus compromising the treatment’s effectiveness.
Ensuring Patient Safety: To prevent these risks, it is important for healthcare providers to:
- Double-check calculations, especially when using liquid medications.
- Confirm the dosage form (e.g., tablet, liquid, or suspension) before administration.
- Educate patients about the correct use of medications and the importance of adhering to the prescribed dosage.
By following these precautions, healthcare providers can minimize the risk of medication errors and ensure patient safety during oral drug administration.