Questions with Elaborated Answers seen on the NCLEX®
The Complete NCLEX Dosage Calculation Nursing Bundle
Flashcards Updated 2025 Version
1. Abbreviations
Q1: What does the abbreviation "PO" mean in medication administration?
A1: "PO" stands for "per os," which is Latin for "by mouth." It indicates that the
medication should be taken orally, allowing it to be absorbed through the
digestive system.
Q2: What does "PRN" indicate on a medication order?
A2: "PRN" stands for "pro re nata," meaning "as needed." This abbreviation
signifies that the medication should be administered only when the patient
requires it, rather than at scheduled intervals.
Q3: What is the meaning of "IV push"?
A3: "IV push" refers to the method of administering medication directly into the
bloodstream through an intravenous line using a syringe. This method allows for
rapid delivery of the medication.
Q4: What does the abbreviation "mg" represent?
A4: "mg" stands for milligram, a unit of measurement equal to one-thousandth of
a gram. It is commonly used to measure medication dosages.
,Q5: How is the abbreviation "NPO" interpreted?
A5: "NPO" stands for "nil per os," which means "nothing by mouth." It indicates
that the patient should not consume any food or fluids, often in preparation for
surgery or diagnostic tests.
Q6: What does the term "gtt" signify?
A6: "Gtt" is an abbreviation for "guttae," which means drops. It is used to
measure liquid medications or solutions in small volumes, particularly in IV or
ophthalmic medications.
Q7: What is indicated by the abbreviation "q6h"?
A7: "q6h" means "every 6 hours." This abbreviation is used in medication orders
to specify the frequency of administration, ensuring timely delivery of the
medication.
Q8: Define "tid" as used in medication orders.
A8: "Tid" stands for "ter in die," which is Latin for "three times a day." This
indicates that the medication should be administered three times within a 24-
hour period.
Q9: What does "SC" or "SQ" refer to in terms of injection routes?
A9: "SC" or "SQ" refers to "subcutaneous," which is a route of medication
administration where the medication is injected into the fatty tissue just under
the skin.
Q10: How is "stat" used in medication orders?
, A10: "Stat" is derived from the Latin "statim," meaning "immediately." It indicates
that the medication should be administered without delay due to the urgency of
the patient's condition.
2. Conversion Overview (Volume & Weight)
Q11: How many milliliters are in a liter?
A11: There are 1,000 milliliters (mL) in 1 liter (L). This conversion is important for
calculating fluid volumes in medication administration.
Q12: Convert 500 grams to kilograms.
A12: To convert grams to kilograms, divide by 1,000. Therefore, 500 grams is
equal to 0.5 kilograms (500 g ÷ 1,000 = 0.5 kg).
Q13: How many ounces are in a cup?
A13: There are 8 ounces in 1 cup. This conversion is often used in dietary
calculations and fluid intake assessments.
Q14: Convert 2.5 milliliters to liters.
A14: To convert milliliters to liters, divide by 1,000. Therefore, 2.5 mL is equal to
0.0025 liters (2.5 mL ÷ 1,000 = 0.0025 L).
Q15: How many milligrams are in a gram?
A15: There are 1,000 milligrams (mg) in 1 gram (g). This conversion is essential
when calculating medication dosages.
Q16: Convert 3 cups to pints.