Nursing Dosage Calculations Quiz

Dosage calculations are a critical aspect of nursing practice, ensuring patient safety and effective medication administration. This interactive quiz helps nurses practice and reinforce their understanding of dosage calculations.

Instructions

Read each question carefully and select the best answer. Solutions and explanations will be provided after completing the quiz.

Question 1

A physician orders 500 mg of medication to be administered intravenously. The medication is available in a vial containing 1 g of medication in 10 mL of solution. How many mL should the nurse administer?

• A. 2.5 mL
• B. 5 mL
• C. 10 mL
• D. 20 mL

Question 2

A patient is to receive 250 mg of medication orally every 8 hours. The medication is available in tablets containing 100 mg. How many tablets should the nurse administer per dose?

• A. 1 tablet
• B. 2.5 tablets
• C. 2 tablets
• D. 3 tablets

Question 3

A physician orders 1000 units of heparin to be administered subcutaneously. The heparin vial contains 5000 units per mL. How many mL should the nurse administer?

• A. 0.2 mL
• B. 0.5 mL
• C. 1 mL
• D. 2 mL

Question 4

A patient is to receive 10 mg of medication intravenously. The medication is available in a vial containing 20 mg per 2 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer?

• A. 0.5 mL
• B. 1 mL
• C. 2 mL
• D. 4 mL

Solutions

Question 1: Answer B. 5 mL

Explanation: 1 g is equal to 1000 mg. Therefore, 500 mg is equivalent to 0.5 g. Using the proportion method, we can set up the following equation: 1 g / 10 mL = 0.5 g / x mL. Solving for x, we get x = 5 mL.

Question 2: Answer C. 2 tablets

Explanation: The nurse needs to administer 250 mg, and each tablet contains 100 mg. Therefore, the nurse should administer 250 mg / 100 mg/tablet = 2.5 tablets. Since tablets cannot be divided, the nurse should administer 2 tablets.

Question 3: Answer A. 0.2 mL

Explanation: Using the proportion method, we can set up the following equation: 5000 units / 1 mL = 1000 units / x mL. Solving for x, we get x = 0.2 mL.

Question 4: Answer B. 1 mL

Explanation: Using the proportion method, we can set up the following equation: 20 mg / 2 mL = 10 mg / x mL. Solving for x, we get x = 1 mL.

Conclusion

Regular practice of dosage calculations is crucial for nurses to ensure safe and effective medication administration. This quiz provides a valuable tool for nurses to test their knowledge and identify areas for improvement.

Remember, dosage calculations are a fundamental aspect of nursing practice. Accuracy and precision are paramount in ensuring patient safety. It’s important to seek additional resources and practice whenever needed.