COMPLEX MED MATH QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS| SHADOW HEALTH

Complex / Med Math Questions

1. Problem type: IV infusion rate + infusion pump
Medication: azithromycin

PROBLEM

Suppose Mrs. Turner’s orders call for 500 mg of azithromycin to be administered intravenously for
community-acquired pneumonia. The solution has been diluted to a concentration of 2 mg/mL and
needs to be administered over 1 hour.

At what rate should the infusion pump be set?HINT

Start by figuring out how many milliliters will be needed to administer the ordered dose.

SAMPLE SOLUTION

1. Determine how many milliliters of the concentration will be delivered to administer the
ordered dose.

500 mg x 1 mL = 250 mL
2 mg

2. Divide the total number of mL needed to deliver the 500 mg by the expected
duration of 1 hour.

250 mL = 250 mL/hr
1 hr

ANSWER

Number: 250
Units / Rate: mL/hr

, 2. Problem type: Dosage calculation + Stock on hand
Medication: venlafaxine

PROBLEM

Mrs. Turner’s daily medications include venlafaxine extended-release, 150 mg, bymouth, once a
day. However, the hospital pharmacy only carries 75 mg extended-release tablets.

How many tablets of venlafaxine extended-release should be administered to her?HINT

You can use the equation below, where X is the number of tablets that should beadministered.

D (ordered dose) x Quantity = XH
(dose on hand)

SAMPLE SOLUTION

1. Determine what information you have.

D (ordered dose) = 150 mgH
(dose on hand) = 75 mg Q
(quantity) = 1 tablet

2. Plug into the equation and solve.

D (150 mg) x 1 tablet = XH
(75 mg)

X = 2 tablets

ANSWER

Number: 2
Units: tablets