BSN 215 HESI Dosage Calculation Exam
Newest 2026 Actual Exam With
Complete 50 Questions & Correct
Answers with Rationale Graded A
Subject: Nursing - Dosage Calculation
Source: BSN 215 HESI Exam
Format: Exam Q & A (Step-by-step calculations)
1. A client with cardiogenic shock weighs 220 lb and is receiving
dopamine at the rate of 3 mcg/kg/minute. The solution strength
available is dopamine 400 mg in 250 ml of D5W. The nurse should set
the infusion pump to deliver how many ml/hour?
Correct Answer: 11.3
Rationale:
1. Convert weight to kg: 220 lb ÷ 2.2 lb/kg = 100 kg.
, 2|Page
2. Calculate dose per minute: 3 mcg/kg/min × 100 kg = 300
mcg/min.
3. Convert to dose per hour: 300 mcg/min × 60 min/hr = 18,000
mcg/hr.
4. Convert mcg/hr to mg/hr: 18,000 mcg/hr ÷ 1000 mcg/mg = 18
mg/hr.
5. Calculate infusion rate using ratio/proportion (400 mg : 250 ml
:: 18 mg : X ml): 400X = 4500; X = 11.25 ml/hr → 11.3 ml/hr.
2. A client with hypertension who weighs 72.4 kg is receiving an
infusion of nitroprusside (Nipride) 50 mg in D5W 250 ml at 75
ml/hour. How many mcg/kg/minute is the client receiving?
Correct Answer: 3.5
Rationale:
1. Calculate mg/hr infusing: (50 mg / 250 ml) = X mg / 75 ml →
250X = 3750 → X = 15 mg/hr.
2. Convert mg/hr to mcg/hr: 15 mg/hr × 1000 mcg/mg = 15,000
mcg/hr.
3. Convert mcg/hr to mcg/min: 15,000 mcg/hr ÷ 60 min/hr = 250
mcg/min.
4. Calculate mcg/kg/min: 250 mcg/min ÷ 72.4 kg = 3.45 → 3.5
mcg/kg/min.
, 3|Page
3. A client who weighs 70 kg is receiving a dopamine solution of
800 mg/500 ml normal saline at 5 ml/hour. How many
mcg/kg/minute is the client receiving?
Correct Answer: 1.9
Rationale:
1. Calculate mg/hr infusing: (800 mg / 500 ml) × 5 ml/hr = 8
mg/hr.
2. Convert mg/hr to mcg/hr: 8 mg/hr × 1000 = 8000 mcg/hr.
3. Convert to mcg/min: 8000 mcg/hr ÷ 60 min/hr = 133.33
mcg/min.
4. Calculate mcg/kg/min: 133.33 mcg/min ÷ 70 kg = 1.904 → 1.9
mcg/kg/min.
4. A client is receiving an IV solution of sodium chloride 0.9%
(Normal Saline) 250 ml with amiodarone (Cordarone) 1 gram at 17
ml/hour. How many mg/minute of amiodarone is infusing?
Correct Answer: 1.1
Rationale:
1. Convert grams to mg: 1 gram = 1000 mg.
2. Find concentration: 1000 mg / 250 ml = 4 mg/ml.
3. Calculate mg/hr: 17 ml/hr × 4 mg/ml = 68 mg/hr.