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BSN HESI 215 Exam 1 – Dosage Calculation 2026/2027
(Nightingale) | Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales |
Grade A Study Guide
1. A loading dose of acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) 8 grams is prescribed for a client with
acetaminophen toxicity. The medication is available as a 20% solution (200 mg/mL). The
dose must be diluted to a 1:4 concentration for NG tube administration. How many mL
of diluent should be added?
A. 40 mL
B. 80 mL
C. 120 mL
D. 160 mL
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: 8,000 mg / 200 mg/mL = 40 mL of solution. A 1:4 concentration means 1 part
drug to 4 parts total volume. For 40 mL drug, total volume = 40 x 4 = 160 mL. Diluent =
160 mL - 40 mL = 120 mL.
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2. An adult male weighing 180 lbs has 60% TBSA thermal burns. Using the Parkland
formula (4 mL/kg/24 hr), calculate the total fluid requirement for the first 24 hours.
A. 14,720 mL
B. 19,632 mL
C. 21,600 mL
D. 25,920 mL
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Convert weight: 180 lbs / 2.2 = 81.8 kg. Calculation: 4 mL x 81.8 kg x 60 =
19,632 mL.
3. A child with a UTI is prescribed cephalexin (Keflex) 100 mg PO QID. The suspension is
labeled 125 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer per dose?
A. 3 mL
B. 4 mL
C. 5 mL
D. 6 mL
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Formula: Desired/Have x Volume = (100 mg / 125 mg) x 5 mL = 0.8 x 5 = 4 mL.
4. A client receiving a cephalosporin IV complains of pain, erythema, swelling, and a red
streak at the site. What is the nurse's priority action?
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A. Apply a warm compress to the site.
B. Slow the infusion rate by half.
C. Initiate an alternate IV site for infusion.
D. Administer the prescribed PRN analgesic.
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Signs indicate chemical phlebitis. The priority is to discontinue the infusion at
the current site and restart at a new site to prevent further vessel damage and ensure
medication delivery.
5. A client (148 lbs) with septic shock has an order for D5W 250 mL with dopamine 0.6
grams at 5 mcg/kg/min. At what rate (mL/hr) should the nurse set the infusion pump?
A. 6 mL/hr
B. 8 mL/hr
C. 10 mL/hr
D. 12 mL/hr
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Weight: 148/2.2=67.3 kg. Dose/min: 5 mcg x 67.3 = 336.5 mcg/min. Dose/hr:
336.5 x 60 = 20,190 mcg/hr. Concentration: 0.6 g=600,000 mcg in 250 mL = 2400
mcg/mL. Rate: 20,190 mcg/hr ÷ 2400 mcg/mL = 8.4 ≈ 8 mL/hr.
BSN HESI 215 Exam 1 – Dosage Calculation 2026/2027
(Nightingale) | Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales |
Grade A Study Guide
1. A loading dose of acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) 8 grams is prescribed for a client with
acetaminophen toxicity. The medication is available as a 20% solution (200 mg/mL). The
dose must be diluted to a 1:4 concentration for NG tube administration. How many mL
of diluent should be added?
A. 40 mL
B. 80 mL
C. 120 mL
D. 160 mL
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: 8,000 mg / 200 mg/mL = 40 mL of solution. A 1:4 concentration means 1 part
drug to 4 parts total volume. For 40 mL drug, total volume = 40 x 4 = 160 mL. Diluent =
160 mL - 40 mL = 120 mL.
,2|Page
2. An adult male weighing 180 lbs has 60% TBSA thermal burns. Using the Parkland
formula (4 mL/kg/24 hr), calculate the total fluid requirement for the first 24 hours.
A. 14,720 mL
B. 19,632 mL
C. 21,600 mL
D. 25,920 mL
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Convert weight: 180 lbs / 2.2 = 81.8 kg. Calculation: 4 mL x 81.8 kg x 60 =
19,632 mL.
3. A child with a UTI is prescribed cephalexin (Keflex) 100 mg PO QID. The suspension is
labeled 125 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer per dose?
A. 3 mL
B. 4 mL
C. 5 mL
D. 6 mL
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Formula: Desired/Have x Volume = (100 mg / 125 mg) x 5 mL = 0.8 x 5 = 4 mL.
4. A client receiving a cephalosporin IV complains of pain, erythema, swelling, and a red
streak at the site. What is the nurse's priority action?
, 3|Page
A. Apply a warm compress to the site.
B. Slow the infusion rate by half.
C. Initiate an alternate IV site for infusion.
D. Administer the prescribed PRN analgesic.
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Signs indicate chemical phlebitis. The priority is to discontinue the infusion at
the current site and restart at a new site to prevent further vessel damage and ensure
medication delivery.
5. A client (148 lbs) with septic shock has an order for D5W 250 mL with dopamine 0.6
grams at 5 mcg/kg/min. At what rate (mL/hr) should the nurse set the infusion pump?
A. 6 mL/hr
B. 8 mL/hr
C. 10 mL/hr
D. 12 mL/hr
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Weight: 148/2.2=67.3 kg. Dose/min: 5 mcg x 67.3 = 336.5 mcg/min. Dose/hr:
336.5 x 60 = 20,190 mcg/hr. Concentration: 0.6 g=600,000 mcg in 250 mL = 2400
mcg/mL. Rate: 20,190 mcg/hr ÷ 2400 mcg/mL = 8.4 ≈ 8 mL/hr.
