Drug Calculations Reviewer for Nurses

This is your study guide to help you refresh or review what you know about drug
dosage calculations including tips on how to answer them.

NCLEX Tips for Dosage Calculation Questions

 The fill-in-the-blank question format is usually used for medication

calculation, IV flow rate calculation, or determining the intake-output of a
client. In this question format, you’ll be asked to perform a calculation and
type in your answer in the blank space provided. 
 Always follow the specific directions as noted on the screen. 
 The unit of measure you need for your final answer is always given. 
 There will be an on-screen calculator on the computer for you to use. 
 Do not put any words, units of measurements, commas, or spaces with
your answer, type only the number. Only the number goes into the box.
Rounding an answer should be done at the end of the calculation or as
what the question specified, and if necessary, type in the decimal point.
Nursing Responsibilities for Medication Administration

 10 Rights of Medication Administration. Understanding the 10 Rights

of Drug Administration can help prevent many medication errors. Nurses,
who are primarily involved in the administration of medications, benefit
from this simplified memory aid to help guide them to administer
medications safely.
o Right Drug. The first right of drug administration is to check and
verify if it’s the right name and form. Beware of look-alike and
sound-alike medication names. Misreading medication names
that look similar is a common mistake. These look-alike
medication names may also sound alike and can lead to errors
associated with verbal prescriptions. Check out The Joint
Commission’s list of look-alike/sound-alike drugs.
o Right Patient. Ask the name of the client and check his/her ID
band before giving the medication. Even if you know that
patient’s name, you still need to ask just to verify. 
o Right Dose. Check the medication sheet and the doctor’s order
before medicating. Be aware of the difference between an adult
and a pediatric dose. 
o Right Route. Check and verify the order (i.e., per orem, IV, SQ,
IM)
o Right Time and Frequency. Check the order for when it would
be given and when was the last time it was given. 
o Right Documentation. Make sure to write the time and any
remarks on the chart correctly. 
o Right History and Assessment. Secure a copy of the client’s
history to drug interactions and allergies. 
o Right Drug Approach and Right to Refuse. Give the client
enough autonomy to refuse the medication after thoroughly
explaining the effects. 
o Right Drug-Drug Interaction and Evaluation. Review any
medications previously given or the diet of the patient that can
yield a bad interaction to the drug to be given. Check also the
expiry date of the medication being given. 
o Right Education and Information. Provide enough knowledge
to the patient of what drug he/she would be taking and what are
the expected therapeutic and side effects.
Systems of Measurement

 There are three systems of measurement used in nursing: the metric

system, the apothecaries’ system, and household system. 
 Metric System
o The most widely used international system of measurement.
o The basic units of metric measures are the gram (weight), meter
(length or distance), and liter (volume).
oIt is a decimal-based system that is logically organized into units
of 10. Basic units are multiplied or divided by 10 to form
secondary units. 
 Apothecaries’ System
o The apothecaries’ system is one of the oldest systems of
measurement, older than the metric system and is considered to
be out of date. 
o The basic units used in this system are the grain (gr)  for
weight, minim  for volume, ounce, and pound. All of which are
seldomly used in the clinical setting. 
o Quantities in the apothecaries’ system are often expressed by
lowercase Roman numerals when the unit of measure is
abbreviated. And the unit of measure precedes the quantity.
Quantities less than 1 are expressed as fractions. Examples: “gr
ii”, “gr ¼ ”
oAnd yes, it can be confusing therefore use the metric system
instead to avoid medication errors.
 Household System
o Household system measures may be used when more accurate
systems of measure are not required. 
o Included units are drops, teaspoons, tablespoons, cups, pint, and
glasses.
 Other Systems of Measurement
o Milliequivalent (mEq)

 The milliequivalent is an expression of the number of

grams of a medication contained in 1 milligram of a
solution.
 Examples: the measure of serum sodium,
serum potassium, and sodium bicarbonate is given in
milliequivalents.
o Unit (U)
 Unit measures a medication in terms of its action, not
its physical weight. 
 When documenting, do not write “U” for unit, rather
spell it as “unit” as it is often mistaken as “0”. 
 Examples: Insulin, penicillin, and heparin sodium are
measured in units.
Converting Units of Weight and Measure

 Converting values between metric system

o For drug dosages, the metric units used are the gram
(g), milligram (mg), and microgram (mcg). For volume
units milliliters (mL) and liters (L). 
o It is simple to compute for equivalents using the metric system. It
can be done by dividing or multiplying; or by moving the decimal
point three places to the left or right. 
o Do not use a “trailing zero” after the decimal point when the
dosage is expressed as a whole number. For example, if the
dosage is 2m mg, do not insert a decimal point or the trailing
zero as this could be mistaken for “20” if the decimal point is not
seen. 
o On the other hand, do not leave a “naked” decimal point. If a
number begins with a decimal, it should be written with a zero
and a decimal point before it. For example, if the dosage is 2/10
of a milligram, it should be written as 0.2 mg. It could be
mistaken for 2 instead of 0.2. 
Unit Equivalents

Metric system Equivalents

1 microgram (mcg) 0.000001 g

1 milligram (mg) 0.0001 g or 1000 mcg

1 gram (g) 1000 mg

1 kilogram (kg) 1000 g

 Unit Equivalents

1 kilogram (kg) 2.2 lbs

1 milliliter (mL) 0.001 L

Apothecary system (weight) Equivalents

1 grain (gr) 60 or 65 mg

5 grain (gr) 300 or 325 mg

15 grain (gr) 1000 mg or 1g

1/150 grain (gr) 0.4 mg

Household system (volume) Equivalents

1 teaspoon (tsp) 5 ml or 16 drops

1 tablespoon (T) 3 teaspoons or 15 mL

1 fluid ounce (fl oz) 2 tablespoons or 30 mL

1 cup (C) 8 fluid oz or 240 mL

1 pint (pt)  16 fluid oz or 480 mL

1 quart (qt) 2 pints or 946 mL or 32 fl oz

Household system (weight) Equivalents

1 pound (lb) 16 ounce

2.2 pounds (lbs) 1 kilogram

 Converting Units Between Systems
o Household and metric measures are equivalent and not equal
measures.
o Conversions to equivalent measures between systems is
necessary when a medication prescription is written in one
system but the medication label is stated in another.
o Medications are not always prescribed and prepared in the same
system of measurement; therefore conversion of units from one
system to another is necessary.
o Common conversions in the healthcare setting include pound to
kilograms, milligrams to grains, minims to drops. 
Methods for Drug Dosage Calculations

 Standard Method
o The commonly used formula for calculating drug dosages. 

o Where in:
 D = Desired dose or dose ordered by the primary care
provider. 
 H = dose on hand or dose on the label of bottle, vial,
ampule.
 V = vehicle or the form in which the drug comes (i.e.,
tablet or liquid). 
STANDARD FORMULA

Example:

Order: Acetaminophen 500 mg
On hand: Acetaminophen 250 mg in 5 mL

Desired (D) = 500 mg

On hand (H) = 250 mg
Vehicle (V) = 5 mL

Computation:
Example:

Answer: 10 mL

 Ratio and Proportion Method

o Considered as the oldest method used for drug calcluation
problems.
o For the equation, the known quantities are on the left side, while
the desired dose and the unknown amount to administer are on
the right side.
o Where in:
 D = Desired dose or dose ordered by the primary care
provider. 
 H = dose on hand or dose on the label of bottle, vial,
ampule.
 V = vehicle or the form in which the drug comes (i.e.,
tablet or liquid). 
 X = amount to administer
o Once the equation is set up, multiply the extremes (H and x) and
the means (V and D). Then solve for x.
RATIO AND PROPORTION METHOD

H : V = D : x

Example:

Order: Erythromycin 750 mg
On hand: Erythromycin 250 mg capsules

Desired (D) = 750 mg

On hand (H) = 250 mg
Vehicle (V) = 1 capsule
Example:

Computation:
250 (H) : 1 (V) = 750 (D) : x

Multiply the extremes and the means:

250x = 750
x=3 capsules

Answer: 3 capsules

 Fractional Equation Method

o A method similar to ratio and proportion but expressed as
fractions.
o Where in:
 D = Desired dose or dose ordered by the primary care
provider. 
 H = dose on hand or dose on the label of bottle, vial,
ampule.
 V = vehicle or the form in which the drug comes (i.e.,
tablet or liquid). 
FRACTIONAL EQUATION METHOD

Example:

Order: Digoxin 0.25 mg
On hand: Digoxin 0.125 mg tablets

Desired (D) = 0.25 mg

On hand (H) = 0.125 mg
Vehicle (V) = 1 tablets
Example:

Computation:

Answer: 2 tablets

 Fluid Intake and Output Calculation

o Intake and output (I&O) measurement and recording is usually
done to monitor a client’s fluid and electrolyte balance during a
24-hour period. 
o Intake and output is done for patients with increased risk for
fluid and electrolyte imbalance (e.g., heart
failure, kidney failure). 
o Unit used in measurement of I&O is milliliter (mL). 
o Measuring fluid intake entails recording each item of fluid
consumed or administered, all of the following fluids are
recorded: 
 Oral fluids (e.g., water, juice, milk, soup, water taken
with medication). 
 Liquid foods at room temperature (e.g., ice cream,
gelatin, custard). 
 Tube feedings including the water used for flushes. 
 Parenteral fluids
 Blood products
IV medications
o Measurement of fluid output includes: 
 Urinary output
 Vomitus
  Liquid feces
 Tube drainage
 Wound and fistula drainage
o Measurement of fluid input and output are totaled at the end of
the shift and documented in the patient’s chart. 
o Determine if fluid intake and fluid output are proportional. When
there is a significant discrepancy between intake and output,
report to the primary care provider.

Recommended Links
If you need more information or practice quizzes, please do visit the following links:

 NCLEX Questions Nursing Test Bank and Review – Your ultimate guide
to the NCLEX-RN. Includes 3,500+ practice questions to help you gain
knowledge and confidence during the actual exams!

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Part 1: NCLEX Dosage Calculation Practice Questions (15

Items)
1.
You are caring for a patient at home who must take magnesium
hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide (Maalox) 30 mL PO. How will you instruct the
patient to measure the dose using ordinary household measuring devices? Fill in
the blanks. Record your answer to the nearest whole number.

Correct answer: 2 tbsp.

Computation:

2. Question
A patient has a bottle of warfarin (Coumadin) 5 mg tablets at home. After his most
recent international normalized ratio (INR), the doctor calls and tells him to take 7.5
mg/day. How many tablet(s) should the patient take? Fill in the blanks.

Correct answer: 1.5 tablet

Computation:
3. Question
Your patient is taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) gr 15 every 6 hours PO for headache
pain. You know the maximum safe dose is 4 g in 24 hours. Is the dose safe?

Correct answer: B. 4 g/day, safe!

Computation:

*The dose is at the upper limit of a safe dose.

4. Question
The physician orders alprazolam (Xanax) 0.5 mg PO. You have on hand Xanax 0.25
mg tablets. How many tablet(s) will you give? Fill in the blanks.

Correct answer: 2 tablets

Computation:

5. Question
You need to administer 250 mg of erythromycin (Erythrocin) PO. You have on hand
0.5 g tablets. How many tablet(s) will you give? Fill in the blanks.

Correct answer: 1/2 tablet or 0.5 tablet

Computation:

6. Question
You have available lorazepam (Ativan) 0.5 mg tablets, and you need to administer 1
mg PO. How many tablet(s) will you administer? Fill in the blanks.

Correct answer: 2 tablets

Computation:
7. Question
A patient with heart failure has a daily order for digoxin (Lanoxin) 0.25 mg PO.
Digoxin 0.125 mg tablets are available. How many tablet(s) should you give? Fill in
the blanks.

Correct answer: 2 tablets

Computation:

8. Question
The physician writes a “now” order for codeine 45 mg IM for a patient with a
vertebral compression fracture. You have on hand codeine 60 mg/2 mL. How many
milliliters should you give? Fill in the blanks.

Correct answer: 1.5 ml

Computation:

9. Question
You have on hand hydromorphone (Dilaudid) 4 mg/mL. You need to administer
0.015 mg/kg to a patient who weighs 150 pounds. How many milliliters should you
administer? Fill in the blanks. Record your answer using two decimal places.

Correct answer: 0.26 ml

Computation:
10. Question
You have an order to administer 40 mg of methadone (Dolophine) SC for opioid
detoxification. You have on hand 30 mg/mL. How much should you draw into the
syringe? Fill in the blanks. Record your answer using one decimal place.

Correct answer: 1.3 ml

Computation:

11. Question
A patient has a primary IV of dextrose in water 1,000 mL to be infused over 24
hours. What would be the drip rate (ggts/min) using tubing with a drop factor of
60? Fill in the blanks.

Correct answer: 42 gtts/minute

Computation:

12. Question
Your patient needs 2,000 mL of saline IV over 4 hours for severely deficient fluid
volume. How many milliliters per hour will you set on a controller? Fill in the
blanks.

Correct answer: 500 ml/hr

Computation:

13. Question
Your patient needs 2,000 mL of D5W IV over 24 hours, to be delivered with a tubing
set with a drop factor of 15. How many drops per minute will you set for an infusion
rate? Fill in the blanks.
Correct answer: 21 gtts/minute
Computation:

14. Question
You need to administer furosemide (Lasix) 2 mg/minute via continuous IV infusion
on a controller. Pharmacy has sent a bag of Lasix 400 mg diluted in D5W 250 mL.
How many milliliters per hour will you set on the controller? Fill in the blanks.

Correct answer: A. 75 ml/hr

Computation:

15. Question

The physician orders an IV with heparin at 700 units/hour. You have a bag with 100
units/mL of solution. How many milliliters per hour will you set on the IV infusion
controller? Fill in the blanks.

Correct answer: 7 ml/hour

Computation:

Part 2: Oral Medications Dosage Calculations Practice Quiz

(40 Items)

1. Question
A health care provider orders acetaminophen (Tylenol) supp 1 g pr q 6 hr prn temp
> 101. Available: Tylenol supp. 325 mg (scored). How many supp. will you
administer? Fill in the blank. Record your answer to the nearest whole
number.
Correct answer: 3 supp.
Computation:

2. Question

A nurse practitioner prescribes clindamycin (Cleocin) Oral Susp 600 mg po qid; Directions
for mixing: Add 100 mL of water and shake vigorously. Each 2.5 mL will contain 100 mg of
Cleocin. How many tsp of Cleocin will you administer? Fill in the blanks. Record your
answer to the nearest whole number.

Correct answer: 3 tsp.

Computation:

3. Question
A health care provider ordered sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) Oral Susp 500 mg q 6 hr;
Directions for mixing: Add 125 mL of water and shake well. Each tbsp will yield 1.5 g
of sulfasalazine. How many mL will you give? Fill in the blanks.

Correct answer: 5 ml.

Computation:
1 tbsp. = 15 ml.

4. Question
A health care provider prescribes potassium chloride (Klotrix) 0.35 mEq/ lb po
dissolved in 6 oz of oj at 8 am; Available: Klotrix 8 mEq/mL. How many mL of Klotrix
will you add to the oj for a 20.5 Kg patient? Fill in the blanks.

Correct answer: 2 ml.

Computation:
20.5 kg x 2.2 lbs = 45.1 lbs.
45.1 lbs. x 0.35 0.35 mEq/lb = 15.8 mEq/lb

5. Question
A health care provider orders megestrol (Megace) Oral Suspension 160 mg po bid;
Directions for mixing: Add 100 mL of water and shake vigorously. Each 0.5 mL will
contain 10.7 mg of Megace. How many tbsp of Megace will you administer? Fill in
the blanks. Record your answer using one decimal place.

Correct answer: 0.5 tbsp.

Computation:

6. Question

A health care provider prescribes hydroxyzine (Vistaril) Oral Susp 10 mg q 4 hr prn anxiety;
Directions for mixing: Add 125 mL of water and shake well. Each tsp will yield 15 mg of
Vistaril. How many mL will you give? Fill in the blanks. Record your answer using one
decimal place.

Correct answer: 3.3 ml

Computation:

7. Question
A health care provider prescribes ondansetron (Zofran) 8 mg p.o. t.i.d.; Available:
Zofran in a 100 ml bottle labeled 4 mg/tsp.; How many ml will the nurse administer
for each dose? Fill in the blanks.
Correct answer: 10 ml
Computation:

Formula:

Solution:

8. Question
A health care provider orders cefaclor (Ceclor) 45 mg/kg/day p.o. in 3 divided doses
for a patient who weighs 66 pounds. A 75 ml stock medication is labeled Ceclor 125
mg/ml. How many ml would the nurse administer per dose? Fill in the blanks.
Record your answer using one decimal place.

Correct answer: 3.6 ml

Computation:

Formula:
Solution: 45 mg/kg/day x 30 kg = 1.350 mg/day ÷ 3 doses = 450 mg per dose

9. Question
You are providing home care for a patient who needs 15 mL of magnesium
hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide (Maalox) PO. She has only standard measuring
spoons in the house. How many tablespoon(s) do you instruct her to take her
dose? Fill in the blanks. Record your answer to the nearest whole number.

Correct answer: 1 Tablespoon

Computation:

10. Question
You have on hand ergocalciferol (Calciferol) liquid 8000 units/2 mL. Your order
reads ergocalciferol 225,000 units PO daily. How many ml should you prepare the
correct dose? Fill in the blanks. Record your answer to the nearest whole
number.

Correct answer: 56 ml
Computation:

11. Question
Amoxil (amoxicillin) suspension 180 mg PO bid is ordered for a patient who cannot
swallow pills. It is supplied as 125 mg/5 mL. How many milliliters should you
administer? Fill in the blanks. Record your answer using one decimal place.

Correct answer: 7.2 mL.

Computation:

12. Question
You have an order for phenobarbital (Luminal) 50 mg PO at bedtime. It is supplied
as phenobarbital elixir 20 mg/5 mL. How much in mL will you administer? Fill in the
blanks. Record your answer using one decimal place.

Correct answer: 12.5 mL.

Computation:

13. Question
You are caring for your ill grandmother at home. She has an order for magnesium
hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide (Maalox) 10 mL PO prn stomach upset. How do you
instruct her to measure her dose in tsp using household measuring spoons? Fill in
the blanks.

Correct answer: 2 tsp.

Computation:
14. question

You need to administer 400 mg of erythromycin (Erythrocin) PO. You have on hand a
suspension of 125 mg/5 mL. How many ml will you prepare? Fill in the blanks.

Correct answer: 16 mL.

Computation:

15. Question
Your patient has a headache but has difficulty swallowing pills. The physician orders
acetaminophen (Tylenol) 1000 mg PO every 4 to 6 hours prn. You have
acetaminophen elixir 160 mg in 5 mL. How much will you administer? Fill in the
blanks. Record your answer using two decimal place.

Correct answer: 31.25 mL.

Computation:

16. Question
A patient is instructed to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) liquid (elixir) 650 mg qid.
The elixir is 160 mg/5 mL. How many milliliters per dose should the patient
take? Fill in the blanks.

Correct answer: 20 mL.

Computation:
17. Question
A patient is placed on methadone (Methadose) maintenance therapy of 15 mg/day
PO. It is supplied as 10 mg in 5 mL oral solution. How many milliliters should you
instruct the patient to take? Fill in the blanks. Record your answer using one
decimal place.

Correct answer: 7.5 mL.

Computation:

18. Question
A homebound patient must take 400,000 units of nystatin PO every 4 hours, to
swish in the mouth, and then swallow. It is available as 100,000 units/5 mL. The
patient has only household measuring spoons. How should the patient be
instructed to take the dose? Fill in the blanks.

Correct answer: 4 teaspoon

Computation:

19. Question
A health care provider prescribes ceftazidime (Fortaz) mg/kg/day p.o. 50 mg/kg p.o.
t.i.d. to a child who weighs 25.5 kg. Fortaz is available in an oral suspension labeled
100 mg/ml. How many ml would the nurse administer per dose? Fill in the blanks.
Record your answer using one decimal place.

Correct answer: 12.8 mL.

Computation:

Formula:
Solution:

20. Question
A nurse was instructed by a physician to give clarithromycin (Biaxin) for a child
whose BSA is 0.55 m2. The usual adult dose is 500 mg. Biaxin is available in an oral
suspension. The 100ml bottle is labeled 50 mg/ml. How many ml would the nurse
give per dose? Fill in the blanks. Record your answer using one decimal place.

Correct answer: 3.2 mL.

Computation:

Formula:
BSA Formula:

Solution:

Part 3: Parenteral Medications Dosage Calculations (50

Items)

1. Question
A health care provider prescribes kanamycin (Kantrex) 7.5 mg/kg IM q 12 hr;
Available: kanamycin 0.35 Gm/mL. How many mL will you administer for each dose
to a 157 lb patient? Fill in the blanks. Record your answer using one decimal
place.

Correct answer: 1.5 mL.

Computation:
157 lbs = 71.36 kg or 71 kg
7.5 mg/kg x 71 kg = 532.5 mg

2. Question
A health care provider orders Heparin 7,855 units subq bid; Available: Heparin
10,000 units per ml. How many mL will you administer? Fill in the blanks. Record
your answer using two decimal places.

Correct answer: 0.79 mL.

Computation:

3. Question
A health care provider prescribes meperidine (Demerol) 50 mg IVP q 6 hr prn pain;
Available: Demerol 75 mg/ 1.3mL. How many mL will you administer? Fill in the
blanks. Record your answer using one decimal place.

Correct answer: 0.87 mL.

Computation:

4. Question
A health care provider orders Streptomycin 1.75 mg/ lb IM q 12 hr; Available:
Streptomycin 0.35 g / 2.3 mL. How many mL will you administer a day to a 59 Kg
patient? Fill in the blanks.

Correct answer: 3 mL.

Computation:
59 kg = 130 lbs
1.75 mg/lbs x 130 lbs = 227.5 mg
1.5 ml x 2 = 3 ml

5. Question
A health care provider prescribes bumetanide (Bumex) 0.8 mg IV bolus bid;
Reconstitution instructions: Constitute to 1000 micrograms/3.1 mL with 4.8mL of
5% Dextrose Water for Injection. How many mL will you administer? Fill in the
blanks. Record your answer using one decimal place.

Incorrect
Correct answer: 2.5 mL.
Computation:
1 mg = 1,000 mcg

6. Question
A health care provider orders ceftazidime (Tazidime) 0.3 g IM tid; Reconstitution
instructions: For IM solution add 1.5 mL of diluent. Shake to dissolve. Provides an
approximate volume of 1.8 mL (280 mg/mL). How many mL will you give? Fill in the
blanks. Record your answer using one decimal place.

Correct answer: 1.1 mL.

Computation:

7. Question
A health care provider orders Tobramycin 1.25mg/Kg IM q 12 hr; Available:
Tobramycin 0.2 g/mL. How many mL will you administer to a 183 lb patient for each
dose? Fill in the blanks.

Correct Answer: A. 0.52 mL.

 Computation:
183 lb = 83.2 kg
83.2 kg x 1.25 mg/kg = 104 mg

8. Question
A health care provider prescribes Heparin 4,390 units Sub Q bid; Available: Heparin
5,000 USP units per ml in 10 ml. How many mL will you administer? Fill in the
blanks.

Correct answer: 0.88 mL.

Computation:

9. Question
A health care provider orders Penicillin G 223,500 units IM q 4 hr; Available:
Penicillin G 500,000 units /2.5 mL. How many mL will you administer? Fill in the
blanks. Record your answer using one decimal place.

 Answer:   (1.1) mL.
Incorrect

Correct answer: 1.1 mL.

Computation:

10. Question
A health care provider orders amikacin (Amikin) 5 mg/ lb IM q 12 hr; Available:
Amikacin 0.9 gm/ 2 mL. How many mL will you administer to a 72.7 Kg patient? Fill
in the blanks. Record your answer using one decimal place.
 Answer: {1.8) mL.

Correct

Correct answer: 1.8 mL.

Computation:
72.7 x 2.2 = 160 lb
5 mg/lb x 160 lb = 800 mg (per dose)

11. Question
A health care provider orders fentanyl (Sublimaze) 0.05 mg IV bolus; Reconstitution
instructions: Constitute to Fentanyl 100 micrograms/2.3 mL with 2.4 mL of 5%
Dextrose Water for Injection. How many mL will you administer? Fill in the blanks.
Record your answer using one decimal place.

 Answer:   (1.2) mL.
Incorrect

Correct answer: 1.2 mL.

Computation:

12. Question
A health care provider prescribes cefazolin (Ancef) 0.4253 gm IM bid; Reconstitution
instructions: For IM solution add 1.25 mL of diluent. Shake to dissolve. Provides an
approximate volume of 1.6 mL (240 mg/mL). How many mL will you give? Fill in the
blanks. Record your answer using one decimal place.

 Answer:   (1.8) mL.
Incorrect

Correct answer: 1.8 mL.

Computation:
 13. Question
A health care provider orders Morphine gr 1/10; Available: Morphine 10 mg/ml.
How many ml will the nurse give? Fill in the blanks. Record your answer using
one decimal place.

 Answer:   (0.6) mL.
Incorrect

Correct answer: 0.6 mL.

Computation:

Formula:

Solution:

14. Question
A health care provider orders Morphine gr 1/10; Available: Morphine 10 mg/ml.
How many ml will the nurse give? Fill in the blanks. Record your answer using
one decimal place.

 Answer:   (0.6) mL.
Incorrect

Correct answer: 0.6 mL.

Computation:

Formula:

Solution:
 15. Question
A health care provider orders promethazine (Phenergan) for a child whose BSA is
1.2 m2. The usual adult dose is 25 mg. How many milligrams would the nurse
administer for the dose? Fill in the blanks. Record your answer using one
decimal place.

 Answer:   (17.6) mg
Incorrect

Correct answer: 17.6 mg

Computation:
BSA Formula:

Solution:

16. Question
A patient with complaints of chest pain is ordered to receive diltiazem (Cardizem) 5
mg IVP. The vial contains 10 mg/2 ml. How many ml will you give? Fill in the
blanks.

 Answer:   (1) mL.
Incorrect

Correct answer: 1 mL.

Computation:
10 mg : 2 ml = 5 mg : x ml
10 x = 10
x=1

17. Question
Lanoxin (digoxin) 125 mcg is ordered IVP every a.m. The vial contains 0.5 mg in 2
ml. How many ml will you give? Fill in the blanks. Record your answer using one
decimal place.
 Answer:   (0.5) mL.
Incorrect

Correct answer: 0.5 mL.

Computation:
1 mg = 1000 mcg
0.5 mg : 2 ml = .125 mg : x ml

18. Question
A pre-op patient is ordered Atropine gr. 1/150 IM. The vial contains Atropine 0.4 mg
in 1 ml. How much in ml will you give? Fill in the blanks.

 Answer:   (1) mL.
Incorrect

Correct answer: 1 mL.

Computation:
1gr = 60 mg
1/150 gr – .4 mg
0.4 mg : 1 ml = 0.4 mg : x ml

19. Question
A patient with bacterial infection is ordered ceftazidime (Fortaz) 250 mg IM. The vial
contains 500 mg powder with directions to add 1.5 ml of sterile water for a total
volume of 1.8 ml. How many ml will you administer? Fill in the blanks. Record
your answer using one decimal place.

 Answer:   (0.9) mL.
Incorrect

Correct answer: 0.9 mL.

Computation:
500 mg : 1.8 ml = 250 mg : x ml

20. Question
You need to administer prochlorperazine (Compazine) 10 mg IM to a nauseated
patient. You have on hand Compazine 5 mg/mL. How many ml would you
 administer per dose? Fill in the blanks. Record your answer to the nearest
whole number.

 Answer:   (2) mL.
Incorrect

Correct answer: 2 mL.

Computation:

Drug Dosage Calculation Practice Quiz

Remember to answer these questions at your own pace and don’t forget to read the
rationales! Don’t be discouraged if you have incorrect answers, you are here to learn! Make
sense of the rationales and review the drug dosage calculations study guide below.

1. Question
Your patient has had the following intake: 2 ½ cups of coffee (240 mL/cup), 11.5 oz
of grape juice, ¾ qt of milk, 320 mL of diet coke, 1 ¼ L of D5W IV and 2 oz of grits.
What will you record as the total intake in mL for this patient? Fill in the blanks.

 Answer:   (3,265) mL.
Incorrect

Correct answer: 3,265 mL.

Rationale:
1 qt = 1,000 ml
1 oz = 30 ml
600 ml + 345 ml + 750 ml + 320 ml + 1,250 ml = 3,265 ml (Grits is not liquid at room
temperature, so it is not included when calculating intake.)
 2. Question
Your patient has had the following intake: 8 oz glasses of iced tea, 4 oz cartons of
grape juice, ¾ pt of ice cream, 32 oz of juice, 1 ½ L of D5W IV and 6 oz of cottage
cheese. What will you record as the total intake in mL for this patient? Fill in the
blanks.

 Answer:   (3,195) mL.
Incorrect

Correct answer: 3,195 mL.

Rationale:
1 pt = 500 ml
1 oz = 30 ml
240 ml + 120 ml + 375 ml + 960 ml + 1,500 ml = 3,195 ml (Cottage cheese is not
liquid at room temperature, so it is not included when calculating intake.)

3. Question
Your patient had the following intake: 2 1/2 bowls of broth (180 mL/bowl), 1 can of
tomato juice (4.5 oz/can ), 4 oz of cottage cheese, 1 ¾ L of NS IV and ½ pt of ice
cream. What will you record as the total intake in mL for this patient? Fill in the
blanks.

 Answer:   (2,585) mL.
Incorrect

Correct answer: 2,585 mL.

Rationale:
1 oz = 30 ml
1 pt = 500 ml
450 ml + 135 ml + 1,750 ml + 250 ml = 2,585 ml (Cottage cheese is not liquid at
room temperature, so it is not included when calculating intake.)

4. Question
Your patient has had the following intake: ½ cup of hot tea (240 mL/cup), 3/4
container of grapefruit juice (4 oz/container), 3/4 qt of milk, 1 pt of water, 125 mL of
D5W IV x 8 hr and 2 oz of fruit cocktail. What will you record as the total intake in
mL for this patient? Fill in the blanks.
 Answer: {2,460) mL.

Correct

Correct answer: 2,460 mL.

Rationale:
1 oz = 30 ml
1 qt = 1000 ml
120 ml + 90 ml + 750 ml + 500 ml + 1,000 ml = 2,460 ml (Fruit cocktail is not liquid at
room temperature, so it is not included when calculating intake.)

5. Question
You evaluate a patient’s intake and output for 8 hours. Intake for 8 hours:

3 8-oz cups of coffee

4 oz orange juice
3/4 cup of milk
8 oz tomato soup
1/2 cup Jello
2 cups of water
750 mL of 0.9% normal saline IV

How many milliliters should you record as intake? Fill in the blanks.

 Answer:   (2,610) mL intake

Incorrect

Correct answer: 2,610 ml intake

Rationale:
*First, you must convert all amounts to the same units, usually milliliters.
 Now add: 720 + 120 + 180 + 240 + 120 + 480 + 750 = 2,610 mL intake

6. Question
You are providing home care for a patient who needs to mix her oral psyllium
hydrophilic mucilloid (Metamucil) in 180 mL of water or juice. She has only standard
measuring cups in the house. How many cup(s) do you instruct her to take her
dose? Fill in the blanks.

 Answer:   (¾) cup(s)
Incorrect

Correct answer: 3/4 cup

Computation:

7. Question
A patient with HIV infection is receiving 200 mg of didanosine (Videx) PO bid. The
pharmacy only has powder packets with 167 mg each, to be mixed with 4 oz of
water. How many packets should the patient mix? How much should the patient
take? How can it be measured? Fill in the blanks. Record your answer using one
decimal place.

 Answer:   (4.8) oz
Incorrect

Correct answer: 4.8 oz

Rationale and Computation:
 *The patient will have to mix two packets, each in 4 oz of water, and drink 4.8 oz
measured in a calibrated measuring cup. If a cup that measures milliliters is
available, then:

or

8. Question
A hospitalized patient with heart failure is on a 1000 mL fluid restriction each 24
hours. During the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. shift, he has three meals, consuming 1/2 cup of
coffee with each. He also has 50 mL of water each time he takes his medications at
7 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m. Mid Afternoon, he drinks 240 mL of soda. How many
milliliters may he consume during the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift? Fill in the blanks.

 Answer:   (250) mL.
Incorrect

Correct answer: 250 mL.

Computation:

120 mL + 120 mL + 120 mL + 50 mL + 50 mL + 50 mL + 240 mL = 750 mL

1000 mL – 750 mL = 250 mL. He can drink 250 mL during the night shift

9. Question
You are providing home care for a patient who needs to mix her oral potassium
supplement with 120 mL of water or juice. She has only standard measuring cups in
the house. How do you instruct her to take her dose? Fill in the blanks.

 Answer:   (½) cup(s)
Incorrect

Correct answer: 1/2 cup

Computation:
 10. Question
A patient on hemodialysis must maintain careful intake and output. For breakfast,
he had 1 cup of coffee and 3 oz of milk on his cereal. For lunch, he drank 6 oz of
lemonade and ate 1 cup of soup. For supper, he drank 1 cup of coffee. He took his
morning and evening pills with 4 oz of water each time. Has he stayed within his
1000 mL fluid restriction? Fill in the blanks.


 Correct answer: B. No
 Rationale:
 First, convert items to mL.



 240 mL + 90 mL + 180 mL + 240 mL + 240 mL + 120 mL + 120 mL = 1,230 mL
 No, he has exceeded his fluid restriction limit by 230 mL