Dosage Calculation Practice Problems | Galen College of Nursing – Louisville
DOSAGE CALCULATION
PRACTICE PROBLEMS
2026–2027 Edition
Galen College of Nursing – Louisville
Actual Exam Preparation
200 Questions and Correct Answers | Graded A+ | 100% Verified
Publication Date: May 2, 2026
Document Type: Academic Examination Resource
Subject: Nursing Math – Dosage Calculation Competency
Level: ADN/BSN Nursing Program
1
, Dosage Calculation Practice Problems | Galen College of Nursing – Louisville
Introduction
This Dosage Calculation Practice Problems resource is designed specifically for nursing students
at Galen College of Nursing – Louisville, preparing for the dosage calculation competency examination
required in the ADN and BSN programs. Accurate dosage calculation is a fundamental nursing
competency that directly impacts patient safety, as medication errors remain among the most common
and preventable causes of patient harm in healthcare settings. This test bank provides 200 carefully
constructed examination-style questions that mirror the format, scope, and difficulty of the actual Galen
College dosage calculation assessment.
The examination covers a comprehensive range of nursing math domains organized into sixteen
distinct sections. Foundational topics include basic dosage calculations using the Desired-over-Have
formula (D/H × Q), ratio and proportion methods, dimensional analysis, and metric and household unit
conversions. Intermediate domains address oral medication calculations, parenteral injections,
medication reconstitution, insulin and heparin dosing, and intravenous flow rate determinations using
both mL/hr and gtt/min methodologies. Advanced sections encompass weight-based dosing, pediatric
calculations including Body Surface Area (BSA) and the Holliday-Segar fluid maintenance method, critical
care vasoactive drip titrations, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) computations, electrolyte replacement
protocols, and fluid balance assessments.
All correct answers are presented in bold cyan typeface for rapid identification during self-study.
Each question is accompanied by a detailed rationale demonstrating the complete step-by-step
calculation, including formula application, unit conversions, rounding decisions, and safety verification
checks. Students are encouraged to work through each problem independently before reviewing the
answer and rationale, using incorrect responses as diagnostic tools to identify knowledge gaps requiring
further review. Mastery of these calculation competencies is essential not only for examination success
but for safe clinical practice as a registered nurse.
Key Formulas Reference
Basic Dosage: D/H × Q = Amount to Administer
IV Flow Rate (mL/hr): Total Volume (mL) ÷ Total Time (hr)
Drip Rate (gtt/min): (Volume × Drop Factor) ÷ Time (min)
Weight-Based (mL/hr): (Dose × Weight × 60) ÷ Drug Concentration
Pediatric Maintenance (4-2-1 Rule): 4 mL/kg/hr (first 10 kg) + 2 mL/kg/hr (next 10 kg) + 1 mL/kg/hr (each kg
>20 kg)
BSA (Mosteller): √[(Height in cm × Weight in kg) / 3600]
TPN Dextrose kcal: grams dextrose × 3.4 kcal/g
TPN Protein kcal: grams protein × 4 kcal/g
Lipid 20% kcal: mL × 2 kcal/mL
Weight Conversion: kg = lb ÷ 2.2
2
, Dosage Calculation Practice Problems | Galen College of Nursing – Louisville
Basic Dosage Calculation and Metric Conversions
Covers the fundamental D/H×Q formula, ratio and proportion methods, dimensional analysis, metric and household
conversions, and grains equivalencies.
Question 1. A patient is ordered to receive 750 mg of a medication. The pharmacy sends tablets labeled
250 mg each. How many tablets should the nurse administer?
A. 2 tablets C. 4 tablets
B. 3 tablets D. 2.5 tablets
Correct Answer: B. 3 tablets
Rationale: D/H x Q = 750/250 x 1 = 3 tablets.
Question 2. A physician orders 0.5 g of amoxicillin. The available tablets are labeled 250 mg each. How
many tablets should the nurse give?
A. 2 tablets C. 3 tablets
B. 1 tablet D. 4 tablets
Correct Answer: A. 2 tablets
Rationale: First convert 0.5 g to mg: 0.5 x 1000 = 500 mg. Then D/H x Q = 500/250 x 1 = 2 tablets.
Question 3. A patient weighs 165 lb. What is the patient's weight in kilograms?
A. 70 kg C. 80 kg
B. 75 kg D. 85 kg
Correct Answer: B. 75 kg
Rationale: 165 lb / 2.2 = 75 kg.
Question 4. A physician orders aspirin gr X (10 grains) for a patient with chest pain. The pharmacy sends
aspirin 325 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer? (Use 1 gr = 65 mg.)
A. 1 tablet C. 2 tablets
B. 3 tablets D. 4 tablets
Correct Answer: C. 2 tablets
Rationale: gr X = 10 grains. 10 gr x 65 mg/gr = 650 mg. D/H x Q = 650/325 x 1 = 2 tablets.
Question 5. A patient is ordered digoxin 0.25 mg PO daily. The pharmacy supplies digoxin 0.125 mg
scored tablets. How many tablets should the nurse give?
A. 2 tablets C. 1 tablet
B. 0.5 tablet D. 1.5 tablets
Correct Answer: A. 2 tablets
Rationale: D/H x Q = 0.25/0.125 x 1 = 2 tablets. The tablets are scored, so administering 2 tablets is appropriate.
Question 6. A nurse needs to administer 15 mL of oral cough syrup. How many teaspoons (tsp) should
the nurse instruct the patient to take? (1 tsp = 5 mL)
A. 1 tsp C. 4 tsp
B. 2 tsp D. 3 tsp
Correct Answer: D. 3 tsp
3
, Dosage Calculation Practice Problems | Galen College of Nursing – Louisville
Rationale: 15 mL / 5 mL per tsp = 3 tsp.
Question 7. A physician orders 0.3 g of a medication. The available tablets are labeled 150 mg each. How
many tablets should the nurse administer?
A. 1 tablet C. 3 tablets
B. 2 tablets D. 4 tablets
Correct Answer: B. 2 tablets
Rationale: First convert 0.3 g to mg: 0.3 x 1000 = 300 mg. D/H x Q = 300/150 x 1 = 2 tablets.
Question 8. A nurse is using the ratio and proportion method. The available concentration is 10 mg/mL.
The ordered dose is 25 mg. How many mL should be administered?
A. 1.5 mL C. 2.5 mL
B. 3 mL D. 2 mL
Correct Answer: C. 2.5 mL
Rationale: Ratio and proportion: 10 mg : 1 mL :: 25 mg : X mL. 10X = 25, X = 25/10 = 2.5 mL.
Question 9. Convert 4,500 mcg to milligrams.
A. 4.5 mg C. 0.45 mg
B. 45 mg D. 450 mg
Correct Answer: A. 4.5 mg
Rationale: 4,500 mcg / 1,000 = 4.5 mg.
Question 10. A physician orders 1.5 g of cefazolin IV. The available vials contain 500 mg of powder. How
many vials are needed?
A. 2 vials C. 4 vials
B. 3 vials D. 1 vial
Correct Answer: B. 3 vials
Rationale: 1.5 g = 1,500 mg. 1, = 3 vials needed.
Question 11. A patient drinks 2 cups of water. How many milliliters did the patient consume? (1 cup =
240 mL)
A. 120 mL C. 200 mL
B. 360 mL D. 480 mL
Correct Answer: D. 480 mL
Rationale: 2 cups x 240 mL/cup = 480 mL.
Question 12. Convert 4 ounces (oz) to milliliters. (1 oz = 30 mL)
A. 120 mL C. 150 mL
B. 90 mL D. 60 mL
Correct Answer: A. 120 mL
Rationale: 4 oz x 30 mL/oz = 120 mL.
Question 13. Convert gr 1/4 to milligrams. (Use 1 gr = 60 mg)
4
DOSAGE CALCULATION
PRACTICE PROBLEMS
2026–2027 Edition
Galen College of Nursing – Louisville
Actual Exam Preparation
200 Questions and Correct Answers | Graded A+ | 100% Verified
Publication Date: May 2, 2026
Document Type: Academic Examination Resource
Subject: Nursing Math – Dosage Calculation Competency
Level: ADN/BSN Nursing Program
1
, Dosage Calculation Practice Problems | Galen College of Nursing – Louisville
Introduction
This Dosage Calculation Practice Problems resource is designed specifically for nursing students
at Galen College of Nursing – Louisville, preparing for the dosage calculation competency examination
required in the ADN and BSN programs. Accurate dosage calculation is a fundamental nursing
competency that directly impacts patient safety, as medication errors remain among the most common
and preventable causes of patient harm in healthcare settings. This test bank provides 200 carefully
constructed examination-style questions that mirror the format, scope, and difficulty of the actual Galen
College dosage calculation assessment.
The examination covers a comprehensive range of nursing math domains organized into sixteen
distinct sections. Foundational topics include basic dosage calculations using the Desired-over-Have
formula (D/H × Q), ratio and proportion methods, dimensional analysis, and metric and household unit
conversions. Intermediate domains address oral medication calculations, parenteral injections,
medication reconstitution, insulin and heparin dosing, and intravenous flow rate determinations using
both mL/hr and gtt/min methodologies. Advanced sections encompass weight-based dosing, pediatric
calculations including Body Surface Area (BSA) and the Holliday-Segar fluid maintenance method, critical
care vasoactive drip titrations, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) computations, electrolyte replacement
protocols, and fluid balance assessments.
All correct answers are presented in bold cyan typeface for rapid identification during self-study.
Each question is accompanied by a detailed rationale demonstrating the complete step-by-step
calculation, including formula application, unit conversions, rounding decisions, and safety verification
checks. Students are encouraged to work through each problem independently before reviewing the
answer and rationale, using incorrect responses as diagnostic tools to identify knowledge gaps requiring
further review. Mastery of these calculation competencies is essential not only for examination success
but for safe clinical practice as a registered nurse.
Key Formulas Reference
Basic Dosage: D/H × Q = Amount to Administer
IV Flow Rate (mL/hr): Total Volume (mL) ÷ Total Time (hr)
Drip Rate (gtt/min): (Volume × Drop Factor) ÷ Time (min)
Weight-Based (mL/hr): (Dose × Weight × 60) ÷ Drug Concentration
Pediatric Maintenance (4-2-1 Rule): 4 mL/kg/hr (first 10 kg) + 2 mL/kg/hr (next 10 kg) + 1 mL/kg/hr (each kg
>20 kg)
BSA (Mosteller): √[(Height in cm × Weight in kg) / 3600]
TPN Dextrose kcal: grams dextrose × 3.4 kcal/g
TPN Protein kcal: grams protein × 4 kcal/g
Lipid 20% kcal: mL × 2 kcal/mL
Weight Conversion: kg = lb ÷ 2.2
2
, Dosage Calculation Practice Problems | Galen College of Nursing – Louisville
Basic Dosage Calculation and Metric Conversions
Covers the fundamental D/H×Q formula, ratio and proportion methods, dimensional analysis, metric and household
conversions, and grains equivalencies.
Question 1. A patient is ordered to receive 750 mg of a medication. The pharmacy sends tablets labeled
250 mg each. How many tablets should the nurse administer?
A. 2 tablets C. 4 tablets
B. 3 tablets D. 2.5 tablets
Correct Answer: B. 3 tablets
Rationale: D/H x Q = 750/250 x 1 = 3 tablets.
Question 2. A physician orders 0.5 g of amoxicillin. The available tablets are labeled 250 mg each. How
many tablets should the nurse give?
A. 2 tablets C. 3 tablets
B. 1 tablet D. 4 tablets
Correct Answer: A. 2 tablets
Rationale: First convert 0.5 g to mg: 0.5 x 1000 = 500 mg. Then D/H x Q = 500/250 x 1 = 2 tablets.
Question 3. A patient weighs 165 lb. What is the patient's weight in kilograms?
A. 70 kg C. 80 kg
B. 75 kg D. 85 kg
Correct Answer: B. 75 kg
Rationale: 165 lb / 2.2 = 75 kg.
Question 4. A physician orders aspirin gr X (10 grains) for a patient with chest pain. The pharmacy sends
aspirin 325 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer? (Use 1 gr = 65 mg.)
A. 1 tablet C. 2 tablets
B. 3 tablets D. 4 tablets
Correct Answer: C. 2 tablets
Rationale: gr X = 10 grains. 10 gr x 65 mg/gr = 650 mg. D/H x Q = 650/325 x 1 = 2 tablets.
Question 5. A patient is ordered digoxin 0.25 mg PO daily. The pharmacy supplies digoxin 0.125 mg
scored tablets. How many tablets should the nurse give?
A. 2 tablets C. 1 tablet
B. 0.5 tablet D. 1.5 tablets
Correct Answer: A. 2 tablets
Rationale: D/H x Q = 0.25/0.125 x 1 = 2 tablets. The tablets are scored, so administering 2 tablets is appropriate.
Question 6. A nurse needs to administer 15 mL of oral cough syrup. How many teaspoons (tsp) should
the nurse instruct the patient to take? (1 tsp = 5 mL)
A. 1 tsp C. 4 tsp
B. 2 tsp D. 3 tsp
Correct Answer: D. 3 tsp
3
, Dosage Calculation Practice Problems | Galen College of Nursing – Louisville
Rationale: 15 mL / 5 mL per tsp = 3 tsp.
Question 7. A physician orders 0.3 g of a medication. The available tablets are labeled 150 mg each. How
many tablets should the nurse administer?
A. 1 tablet C. 3 tablets
B. 2 tablets D. 4 tablets
Correct Answer: B. 2 tablets
Rationale: First convert 0.3 g to mg: 0.3 x 1000 = 300 mg. D/H x Q = 300/150 x 1 = 2 tablets.
Question 8. A nurse is using the ratio and proportion method. The available concentration is 10 mg/mL.
The ordered dose is 25 mg. How many mL should be administered?
A. 1.5 mL C. 2.5 mL
B. 3 mL D. 2 mL
Correct Answer: C. 2.5 mL
Rationale: Ratio and proportion: 10 mg : 1 mL :: 25 mg : X mL. 10X = 25, X = 25/10 = 2.5 mL.
Question 9. Convert 4,500 mcg to milligrams.
A. 4.5 mg C. 0.45 mg
B. 45 mg D. 450 mg
Correct Answer: A. 4.5 mg
Rationale: 4,500 mcg / 1,000 = 4.5 mg.
Question 10. A physician orders 1.5 g of cefazolin IV. The available vials contain 500 mg of powder. How
many vials are needed?
A. 2 vials C. 4 vials
B. 3 vials D. 1 vial
Correct Answer: B. 3 vials
Rationale: 1.5 g = 1,500 mg. 1, = 3 vials needed.
Question 11. A patient drinks 2 cups of water. How many milliliters did the patient consume? (1 cup =
240 mL)
A. 120 mL C. 200 mL
B. 360 mL D. 480 mL
Correct Answer: D. 480 mL
Rationale: 2 cups x 240 mL/cup = 480 mL.
Question 12. Convert 4 ounces (oz) to milliliters. (1 oz = 30 mL)
A. 120 mL C. 150 mL
B. 90 mL D. 60 mL
Correct Answer: A. 120 mL
Rationale: 4 oz x 30 mL/oz = 120 mL.
Question 13. Convert gr 1/4 to milligrams. (Use 1 gr = 60 mg)
4
