PHARMACEUTICAL CALCULATION – PACOP BLUE
SHS 101 Pharmaceutical Calculations PAPCO BLUE | 300 Questions and Correct
Answer (verified answers) | Summer 2026 | Graded A+
1. 0.0003g equals how many milligrams?
A. 0.009 C. 0.3
B. 0.09 D. 9
2. 0.016mg equals how many mcg?
A. 2 C. 16
B. 4 D. 320
3. 0.03 mg equals how many grams?
A. 0.000003 C. 0.0009
B. 0.00003 D. 0.009
4. ½ pint equals how many fluidounces?
A. 1 C. 4
B. 2 ½D. 8
5. 4 oz equals how many pounds?
A. ¼ C. 24
B. 1 D. 48
6. 6 tsp equals how many tbsp?
A. ½ C. 3
B. 2 D. 4
7. The physician orders the anticonvulsant phenytoin in an oral suspension 0.1g p.o. The pharmacy sends up a
bottle labeled 125mg in 5mL. How many mL should the nurse administer?
A. 0.004mLC. 6.25mL
B. 4mL D. 0.0004mL
8. The physician orders 1000mg of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) p.o. The only available tablets are 0.5g each. How many
tablets are needed to administer this dose?
A. 2 tabs C. 10 tabs
B. ½ tabs D. 12 tabs
9. Nystatin Oral Suspension 600,000 U is ordered. The bottle is labeled 1mL = 100,000 U. How many mL of this
antifungal agent should be administered?
A. 0.16mL C. 60mL
B. 6mL D. 0.016mL
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, PHARMACEUTICAL CALCULATION – PACOP BLUE
10. The physician orders 500mg I.M. of Cefazolin Sulfate. The pharmacy supplies a vial of powder with the ff.
instructions; “Add 2.5mL of sterile WFI. This will provide an approximate volume of 330mg/ mL” How many mL of
this antibiotic preparation should be administered?
A. 0.66mL C. 1.5mL
B. 1.65mL D. 2.6mL
11. If 5 grams of pure drug have been dissolved in a solution that now measures 250mL, what percent strength has
been made? A. 2% C. 0.02%
B. 4% D. 20%
12. How many grams of sodium chloride are in 2000mL of 0.9% NSS?
A. 1.8 grams C. 1800 grams
B. 18 grams D. 180 grams
13. The pharmacist must prepare a dilute solution of an oral antiseptic, cetylpyridinium chloride, from full strength
cetylpyridinium. How many mL of this antiseptic are needed to make 120mL of the 25% solution?
A. 20.8 C. 30
B. 20 D. 3
14. The antihistamine Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) has been prescribed for a child weighing 36 lbs. the bottle reads;
1mL = 5mg. How many mL should the pharmacist prepare if the order reads 1.25mg/ kg p.o.?
A. 5.76 C. 0.24
B. 4.1 D. 2.88
15. A child weighing 50 lbs must receive Methylphenidate (Ritalin) therapy. What would be the safe dose of this CNS
stimulant if the recommended optimum daily dose is 2mg/ kg p.o.
A. 45 mg C. 50 mg
B. 100 mg D. 22 mg
16. An I.V. bolus of atropine, 0.3mg/ m2, has been ordered for a child with a BSA of 0.46m2. How many mg of this
anticholinergic should the nurse administer?
A. 2.65 mg C. 1.5 mg
B. 0.14 mg D. 0.08 mg
17. The physician orders an infusion of 750mL of dextrose 5% in ½ in NSS over 8 hours. What is the appropriate flow
rate for this hypertonic solution when the tubing has a drop factor of 15 gtt =1mL? A. 23 gtt/ min C. 67 gtt/ min
B. 42 gtt/ min D. 230 gtt/ min
18. The physician orders 500mL of D5W with 1 gram of lidocaine. The drop factor is 15gtt = 1mL. Which of the flow rate
is necessary if the patient is to receive 2mg/ min?
A. 2 gtt/ min C. 25 gtt/ min
B. 15 gtt/ min D. 70 gtt/ min
19. An infusion of isotonic NSS has been ordered for a 50-yr old patient who may need to undergo surgery. IF 500mL are
ordered at a keep-vein-open (KVO) rate of 10 gtt/ min and the drop factor is 15gtt = 1mL, how many hours will the
infusion last?
A. 6 hours C. 12 ½ hours
B. 10 hours D. 15 hours
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, PHARMACEUTICAL CALCULATION – PACOP BLUE
(# 20-21) SITUATION: A 50 kg patient is receiving an infusion of 250mL of D5W with 100 mg of NTG at a rate of 12mL/
hr;
20. How many mcg/kg/min of this coronary vasodilator is the patient receiving?
A. 12 mcg/kg/min C. 1 mcg/kg/min
B. 1.6 mcg/kg/min D. 100 mcg/kg/min
21. How many mg/kg/min is the patient receiving?
A. 0.0004 mg/kg/min C. 0.0016 mg/kg/min
B. 0.008 mg/kg/min D. 0.125 mg/kg/min
22. How many grams of boric acid powder, an antiseptic, are needed to prepare 200mL of a 2% solution?
A. 0.004 g C. 40 g
B. 10 g D. 0.1 g
23. A pediatrician performs a physical assessment of an infant during a well-body check-up. The infant measures 62.5
cm. How many inches does this equal?
A. 158C. 23
B. 24.6 D. 15.8
24. A vial labeled 2.5% contains 50mL of a drug. What is the proportionate strength of the solution?
A. 1:4000 C. 1:0.025
B. 1:40 D. 1:2.5
25. 98.6 ⁰F equals how many degrees celcius?
A. 36.7 C. 38.6
B. 37 D. ?
26. The nurse’s note indicates that a patient is to receive 22 mg of a Topical Ointment applied daily. The pharmacy sends
up a tube of ointment labeled 2.54cm = 15mg. How many inches of ointment should the nurse apply for each dose?
A. ½” C. 1 ½” B. 1”
D. 3”
27. A patient is to receive 375 mg of Ascorbic Acid (Vit. C) t.i.d. scored tablets of 250 mg each are available. How many
tablets should the pharmacist give for each dose?
A. ½ tab C. 2 tabs
B. 1 ½ tab D. 2 ½ tabs
28. Amoxicillin 0.5g is prescribed q 8 hrs. Amoxicillin Oral Suspension is labeled 250 mg/tsp. Give ______ mL:
A. 10mL C. 2.5mL
B. ? D. ?
29. What is the difference, in percent, between a 1:4 solution and a 10% solution?
A. 9.75% C. 10%
B. 15% D. no difference at all
30. Convert 40 ⁰C to ⁰F.
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, PHARMACEUTICAL CALCULATION – PACOP BLUE
A. 40 C. -40
B. 144 D. 104
31. To prepare 400mL of a 2% sodium bicarbonate solution from a pure drug, you will need _____ gram of solute.
A. 80 g C. 8 g
B. ? D. ?
32. To make 1.5 L of a 5% solution from a 25% solution, you would need _____ mL of solute. Add _____ mL of water to
make 1.5 liter.
A. 300 mL & 1200 mLC. 1200 mL & 300 mL
B. 1500 mL & 1200 mL D. 1000 mL & 300 mL
33. The physician prescribed an elixir for a 4-yr old who weighs about 30 pounds. The normal adult dose is 325 mg q 4
to 6 hrs. The elixir is available as 325mg/ 5mL. How many mL should the child receive? (use Clark’s Rule: pediatric
dose)
A. 1 mL C. 13 mL
B. 65 mL D. 15 mL
34. Dr. Alvin prescribed Milk of Magnesia for an 8-yr old patient. The normal adult dose is 30mL. Calculate the pediatric
dose. (use Young’s Rule)
A. 12 mL C. 20 mL
B. 1.6 mL D. 1.5 mL
35. The physician prescribed an elixir for a 15-month old. The normal adult dose is 325 mg q 4 to 6 hrs. The elixir is
available as 325 mg/ 5mL. How many mL should the child receive? (use Fried’s Rule: pediatric dose)
A. 40.6 mL C. 0.5 mL
B. 0.1 mL D. 32.5 mL
36. Find the BSA of an adult who weighs 55 kg and measures 157.5 cm (use the BSA equation)
A. 1.55 m2 C. 1.80 m2
B. 1.70 m2 D. 1.50 m2
37. Calculate the BMI of a person 4ft. 11 in. in height and weighing 98 lb. (Interpret the result: underweight= under
18.5; normal= 18.5-24.9; overweight= 25-29.9; obese= 30 and over)
A. 18 C. 19
B. 19.8 D. 20
38. Calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI) for a person weighing 6 ft. 6 inches in height and weighing 240 lb. A. 28 C. 29
B. 26 D. 25
39. How many proof gallons is represented by 54 wine gallon of alcoholic beverage with a percentage strength of 50?
A. 54 C. 108 B. 27
D. 92
40. How many proof gallons is represented by 54 wine gallons of alcoholic beverage with a proof strength of 50? A. 54
C. 108 B. 27 D. 92
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SHS 101 Pharmaceutical Calculations PAPCO BLUE | 300 Questions and Correct
Answer (verified answers) | Summer 2026 | Graded A+
1. 0.0003g equals how many milligrams?
A. 0.009 C. 0.3
B. 0.09 D. 9
2. 0.016mg equals how many mcg?
A. 2 C. 16
B. 4 D. 320
3. 0.03 mg equals how many grams?
A. 0.000003 C. 0.0009
B. 0.00003 D. 0.009
4. ½ pint equals how many fluidounces?
A. 1 C. 4
B. 2 ½D. 8
5. 4 oz equals how many pounds?
A. ¼ C. 24
B. 1 D. 48
6. 6 tsp equals how many tbsp?
A. ½ C. 3
B. 2 D. 4
7. The physician orders the anticonvulsant phenytoin in an oral suspension 0.1g p.o. The pharmacy sends up a
bottle labeled 125mg in 5mL. How many mL should the nurse administer?
A. 0.004mLC. 6.25mL
B. 4mL D. 0.0004mL
8. The physician orders 1000mg of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) p.o. The only available tablets are 0.5g each. How many
tablets are needed to administer this dose?
A. 2 tabs C. 10 tabs
B. ½ tabs D. 12 tabs
9. Nystatin Oral Suspension 600,000 U is ordered. The bottle is labeled 1mL = 100,000 U. How many mL of this
antifungal agent should be administered?
A. 0.16mL C. 60mL
B. 6mL D. 0.016mL
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, PHARMACEUTICAL CALCULATION – PACOP BLUE
10. The physician orders 500mg I.M. of Cefazolin Sulfate. The pharmacy supplies a vial of powder with the ff.
instructions; “Add 2.5mL of sterile WFI. This will provide an approximate volume of 330mg/ mL” How many mL of
this antibiotic preparation should be administered?
A. 0.66mL C. 1.5mL
B. 1.65mL D. 2.6mL
11. If 5 grams of pure drug have been dissolved in a solution that now measures 250mL, what percent strength has
been made? A. 2% C. 0.02%
B. 4% D. 20%
12. How many grams of sodium chloride are in 2000mL of 0.9% NSS?
A. 1.8 grams C. 1800 grams
B. 18 grams D. 180 grams
13. The pharmacist must prepare a dilute solution of an oral antiseptic, cetylpyridinium chloride, from full strength
cetylpyridinium. How many mL of this antiseptic are needed to make 120mL of the 25% solution?
A. 20.8 C. 30
B. 20 D. 3
14. The antihistamine Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) has been prescribed for a child weighing 36 lbs. the bottle reads;
1mL = 5mg. How many mL should the pharmacist prepare if the order reads 1.25mg/ kg p.o.?
A. 5.76 C. 0.24
B. 4.1 D. 2.88
15. A child weighing 50 lbs must receive Methylphenidate (Ritalin) therapy. What would be the safe dose of this CNS
stimulant if the recommended optimum daily dose is 2mg/ kg p.o.
A. 45 mg C. 50 mg
B. 100 mg D. 22 mg
16. An I.V. bolus of atropine, 0.3mg/ m2, has been ordered for a child with a BSA of 0.46m2. How many mg of this
anticholinergic should the nurse administer?
A. 2.65 mg C. 1.5 mg
B. 0.14 mg D. 0.08 mg
17. The physician orders an infusion of 750mL of dextrose 5% in ½ in NSS over 8 hours. What is the appropriate flow
rate for this hypertonic solution when the tubing has a drop factor of 15 gtt =1mL? A. 23 gtt/ min C. 67 gtt/ min
B. 42 gtt/ min D. 230 gtt/ min
18. The physician orders 500mL of D5W with 1 gram of lidocaine. The drop factor is 15gtt = 1mL. Which of the flow rate
is necessary if the patient is to receive 2mg/ min?
A. 2 gtt/ min C. 25 gtt/ min
B. 15 gtt/ min D. 70 gtt/ min
19. An infusion of isotonic NSS has been ordered for a 50-yr old patient who may need to undergo surgery. IF 500mL are
ordered at a keep-vein-open (KVO) rate of 10 gtt/ min and the drop factor is 15gtt = 1mL, how many hours will the
infusion last?
A. 6 hours C. 12 ½ hours
B. 10 hours D. 15 hours
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, PHARMACEUTICAL CALCULATION – PACOP BLUE
(# 20-21) SITUATION: A 50 kg patient is receiving an infusion of 250mL of D5W with 100 mg of NTG at a rate of 12mL/
hr;
20. How many mcg/kg/min of this coronary vasodilator is the patient receiving?
A. 12 mcg/kg/min C. 1 mcg/kg/min
B. 1.6 mcg/kg/min D. 100 mcg/kg/min
21. How many mg/kg/min is the patient receiving?
A. 0.0004 mg/kg/min C. 0.0016 mg/kg/min
B. 0.008 mg/kg/min D. 0.125 mg/kg/min
22. How many grams of boric acid powder, an antiseptic, are needed to prepare 200mL of a 2% solution?
A. 0.004 g C. 40 g
B. 10 g D. 0.1 g
23. A pediatrician performs a physical assessment of an infant during a well-body check-up. The infant measures 62.5
cm. How many inches does this equal?
A. 158C. 23
B. 24.6 D. 15.8
24. A vial labeled 2.5% contains 50mL of a drug. What is the proportionate strength of the solution?
A. 1:4000 C. 1:0.025
B. 1:40 D. 1:2.5
25. 98.6 ⁰F equals how many degrees celcius?
A. 36.7 C. 38.6
B. 37 D. ?
26. The nurse’s note indicates that a patient is to receive 22 mg of a Topical Ointment applied daily. The pharmacy sends
up a tube of ointment labeled 2.54cm = 15mg. How many inches of ointment should the nurse apply for each dose?
A. ½” C. 1 ½” B. 1”
D. 3”
27. A patient is to receive 375 mg of Ascorbic Acid (Vit. C) t.i.d. scored tablets of 250 mg each are available. How many
tablets should the pharmacist give for each dose?
A. ½ tab C. 2 tabs
B. 1 ½ tab D. 2 ½ tabs
28. Amoxicillin 0.5g is prescribed q 8 hrs. Amoxicillin Oral Suspension is labeled 250 mg/tsp. Give ______ mL:
A. 10mL C. 2.5mL
B. ? D. ?
29. What is the difference, in percent, between a 1:4 solution and a 10% solution?
A. 9.75% C. 10%
B. 15% D. no difference at all
30. Convert 40 ⁰C to ⁰F.
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, PHARMACEUTICAL CALCULATION – PACOP BLUE
A. 40 C. -40
B. 144 D. 104
31. To prepare 400mL of a 2% sodium bicarbonate solution from a pure drug, you will need _____ gram of solute.
A. 80 g C. 8 g
B. ? D. ?
32. To make 1.5 L of a 5% solution from a 25% solution, you would need _____ mL of solute. Add _____ mL of water to
make 1.5 liter.
A. 300 mL & 1200 mLC. 1200 mL & 300 mL
B. 1500 mL & 1200 mL D. 1000 mL & 300 mL
33. The physician prescribed an elixir for a 4-yr old who weighs about 30 pounds. The normal adult dose is 325 mg q 4
to 6 hrs. The elixir is available as 325mg/ 5mL. How many mL should the child receive? (use Clark’s Rule: pediatric
dose)
A. 1 mL C. 13 mL
B. 65 mL D. 15 mL
34. Dr. Alvin prescribed Milk of Magnesia for an 8-yr old patient. The normal adult dose is 30mL. Calculate the pediatric
dose. (use Young’s Rule)
A. 12 mL C. 20 mL
B. 1.6 mL D. 1.5 mL
35. The physician prescribed an elixir for a 15-month old. The normal adult dose is 325 mg q 4 to 6 hrs. The elixir is
available as 325 mg/ 5mL. How many mL should the child receive? (use Fried’s Rule: pediatric dose)
A. 40.6 mL C. 0.5 mL
B. 0.1 mL D. 32.5 mL
36. Find the BSA of an adult who weighs 55 kg and measures 157.5 cm (use the BSA equation)
A. 1.55 m2 C. 1.80 m2
B. 1.70 m2 D. 1.50 m2
37. Calculate the BMI of a person 4ft. 11 in. in height and weighing 98 lb. (Interpret the result: underweight= under
18.5; normal= 18.5-24.9; overweight= 25-29.9; obese= 30 and over)
A. 18 C. 19
B. 19.8 D. 20
38. Calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI) for a person weighing 6 ft. 6 inches in height and weighing 240 lb. A. 28 C. 29
B. 26 D. 25
39. How many proof gallons is represented by 54 wine gallon of alcoholic beverage with a percentage strength of 50?
A. 54 C. 108 B. 27
D. 92
40. How many proof gallons is represented by 54 wine gallons of alcoholic beverage with a proof strength of 50? A. 54
C. 108 B. 27 D. 92
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