ATI Dosage Calculation: Pediatric Medications | Practice Test 1 | 2026/2027
ASSESSMENT TECHNOLOGIES INSTITUTE (ATI)
Dosage Calculation: Pediatric Medications
Practice Test 1 | 2026/2027
30 Questions with 100% Verified Detailed Answers & Calculation Steps
Core Domains: Weight Conversion, Weight-Based Dosage, Safe Dose Range Verification,
Oral/Parenteral/IV Calculations, Infusion Rates, Rounding Rules, High-Alert Medications
Aligned with ISMP Pediatric Safety Guidelines and ATI Dosage Calculation Standards
30 Questions | 45-60 Minutes | Passing Score: 90-100% | Calculator Permitted
Page 1
, ATI Dosage Calculation: Pediatric Medications | Practice Test 1 | 2026/2027
SECTION I: Pediatric Weight Conversion & Verification
1. A child weighs 55 lb. The nurse needs to convert this weight to kilograms for a weight-based
medication order. What is the child's weight in kilograms? (Round to the nearest tenth.)
[Single Best Answer]
A. 22.0 kg
B. 25.0 kg
C. 121.0 kg
D. 27.3 kg
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To convert pounds to kilograms, divide the weight in pounds by 2.2: 55 lb ÷ 2.2 = 25 kg.
Pediatric medication dosages are calculated based on body weight in kilograms. Always verify the weight
conversion before proceeding with any weight-based dosage calculation. This is the first step in the
pediatric dosage calculation workflow: confirm weight in kg, then apply the dosage formula. Never
estimate pediatric weights; always use a measured or documented weight. The conversion factor 2.2 lb/kg
is a standard constant used throughout pediatric pharmacology.
2. A pediatric client weighs 33 lb. The nurse converts this weight to kilograms. How many
kilograms does the child weigh? (Round to the nearest tenth.)
[Single Best Answer]
A. 13.6 kg
B. 15.0 kg
C. 66.0 kg
D. 14.8 kg
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Weight conversion: 33 lb ÷ 2.2 = 15 kg. This is the foundational step for all pediatric weight-
based calculations. In clinical practice, the nurse should verify the calculated weight against the
documented weight in the medical record and reconcile any discrepancies before administering
medications. Weights should be measured using a calibrated scale, not estimated, and re-measured
periodically for growing children. Pediatric dosing errors most commonly originate from incorrect weight
documentation or conversion. The ISMP (Institute for Safe Medication Practices) recommends mandatory
weight in kilograms on all pediatric medication orders.
3. A nurse is admitting a 7-year-old child who weighs 28 kg. The parent states the child weighs
approximately 60 lb at home. What is the appropriate nursing action?
[Single Best Answer]
A. Use the parent’s stated weight of 60 lb for medication calculations.
B. Use the documented weight of 28 kg without further verification.
C. Re-weigh the child on a calibrated scale and document the weight in kilograms.
D. Convert 60 lb to kg and use that value for calculations.
Page 2
ASSESSMENT TECHNOLOGIES INSTITUTE (ATI)
Dosage Calculation: Pediatric Medications
Practice Test 1 | 2026/2027
30 Questions with 100% Verified Detailed Answers & Calculation Steps
Core Domains: Weight Conversion, Weight-Based Dosage, Safe Dose Range Verification,
Oral/Parenteral/IV Calculations, Infusion Rates, Rounding Rules, High-Alert Medications
Aligned with ISMP Pediatric Safety Guidelines and ATI Dosage Calculation Standards
30 Questions | 45-60 Minutes | Passing Score: 90-100% | Calculator Permitted
Page 1
, ATI Dosage Calculation: Pediatric Medications | Practice Test 1 | 2026/2027
SECTION I: Pediatric Weight Conversion & Verification
1. A child weighs 55 lb. The nurse needs to convert this weight to kilograms for a weight-based
medication order. What is the child's weight in kilograms? (Round to the nearest tenth.)
[Single Best Answer]
A. 22.0 kg
B. 25.0 kg
C. 121.0 kg
D. 27.3 kg
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To convert pounds to kilograms, divide the weight in pounds by 2.2: 55 lb ÷ 2.2 = 25 kg.
Pediatric medication dosages are calculated based on body weight in kilograms. Always verify the weight
conversion before proceeding with any weight-based dosage calculation. This is the first step in the
pediatric dosage calculation workflow: confirm weight in kg, then apply the dosage formula. Never
estimate pediatric weights; always use a measured or documented weight. The conversion factor 2.2 lb/kg
is a standard constant used throughout pediatric pharmacology.
2. A pediatric client weighs 33 lb. The nurse converts this weight to kilograms. How many
kilograms does the child weigh? (Round to the nearest tenth.)
[Single Best Answer]
A. 13.6 kg
B. 15.0 kg
C. 66.0 kg
D. 14.8 kg
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Weight conversion: 33 lb ÷ 2.2 = 15 kg. This is the foundational step for all pediatric weight-
based calculations. In clinical practice, the nurse should verify the calculated weight against the
documented weight in the medical record and reconcile any discrepancies before administering
medications. Weights should be measured using a calibrated scale, not estimated, and re-measured
periodically for growing children. Pediatric dosing errors most commonly originate from incorrect weight
documentation or conversion. The ISMP (Institute for Safe Medication Practices) recommends mandatory
weight in kilograms on all pediatric medication orders.
3. A nurse is admitting a 7-year-old child who weighs 28 kg. The parent states the child weighs
approximately 60 lb at home. What is the appropriate nursing action?
[Single Best Answer]
A. Use the parent’s stated weight of 60 lb for medication calculations.
B. Use the documented weight of 28 kg without further verification.
C. Re-weigh the child on a calibrated scale and document the weight in kilograms.
D. Convert 60 lb to kg and use that value for calculations.
Page 2
