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HESI Exit Exam Pediatric Medication
Calculation Bank: Dosage, IV Drips &
Safety Protocols
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Pediatric Dosage Calculations Based on Weight...........................3
Subtopic 2: IV Fluid Calculations and Pediatric Drip Rates.............................12
Subtopic 3: Pediatric Syringe and Oral Liquid Medication Calculations.........22
Subtopic 4: Pediatric Reconstitution of Medications and Dosage Calculations
.......................................................................................................................32
Subtopic 5: Pediatric Insulin, Heparin, and High-Alert Medication Calculations
.......................................................................................................................41
Subtopic 6: Pediatric Emergency Medication Calculations (e.g., Epinephrine,
Naloxone).......................................................................................................51
Subtopic 7: Pediatric Rehydration and Electrolyte Replacement Calculations
.......................................................................................................................60
Subtopic 8: Pediatric IV Medication Calculations (Intermittent & Continuous
Dosing)...........................................................................................................70
Subtopic 9: Pediatric Drug Compatibility and Infusion Safety Practices........80
Subtopic 10: Pediatric Drug Error Prevention and Legal/Ethical Considerations
.......................................................................................................................90
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Subtopic 1: Pediatric Dosage Calculations
Based on Weight
Question 1
A child weighing 16 kg is prescribed amoxicillin 20 mg/kg/day in two divided
doses. How many mg should be administered per dose?
A. 100 mg
B. 160 mg
C. 160 mg
D. 320 mg
Correct Answer: C. 160 mg
Rationale:
Total daily dose = 20 mg/kg × 16 kg = 320 mg/day.
Divide by 2 doses: 320 ÷ 2 = 160 mg per dose.
Question 2
Order: Acetaminophen 15 mg/kg PO every 4–6 hours PRN for pain. Child
weighs 22 kg. How many mg will the nurse administer per dose?
A. 150 mg
B. 165 mg
C. 330 mg
D. 400 mg
Correct Answer: C. 330 mg
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Rationale:
15 mg/kg × 22 kg = 330 mg per dose.
Question 3
A 5-year-old weighs 18 kg. The recommended dose of a medication is 10
mg/kg/day divided into three doses. What is the dose per administration?
A. 60 mg
B. 60 mg
C. 90 mg
D. 180 mg
Correct Answer: B. 60 mg
Rationale:
Total daily dose = 10 mg/kg × 18 kg = 180 mg/day.
Divide into 3 doses: 180 ÷ 3 = 60 mg per dose.
Question 4
The provider orders gentamicin 2.5 mg/kg/dose IV q8h for a neonate
weighing 3.2 kg. How much medication should be administered per dose?
A. 6 mg
B. 8 mg
C. 10 mg
D. 12.5 mg
Correct Answer: B. 8 mg
HESI Exit Exam Pediatric Medication
Calculation Bank: Dosage, IV Drips &
Safety Protocols
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Pediatric Dosage Calculations Based on Weight...........................3
Subtopic 2: IV Fluid Calculations and Pediatric Drip Rates.............................12
Subtopic 3: Pediatric Syringe and Oral Liquid Medication Calculations.........22
Subtopic 4: Pediatric Reconstitution of Medications and Dosage Calculations
.......................................................................................................................32
Subtopic 5: Pediatric Insulin, Heparin, and High-Alert Medication Calculations
.......................................................................................................................41
Subtopic 6: Pediatric Emergency Medication Calculations (e.g., Epinephrine,
Naloxone).......................................................................................................51
Subtopic 7: Pediatric Rehydration and Electrolyte Replacement Calculations
.......................................................................................................................60
Subtopic 8: Pediatric IV Medication Calculations (Intermittent & Continuous
Dosing)...........................................................................................................70
Subtopic 9: Pediatric Drug Compatibility and Infusion Safety Practices........80
Subtopic 10: Pediatric Drug Error Prevention and Legal/Ethical Considerations
.......................................................................................................................90
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Subtopic 1: Pediatric Dosage Calculations
Based on Weight
Question 1
A child weighing 16 kg is prescribed amoxicillin 20 mg/kg/day in two divided
doses. How many mg should be administered per dose?
A. 100 mg
B. 160 mg
C. 160 mg
D. 320 mg
Correct Answer: C. 160 mg
Rationale:
Total daily dose = 20 mg/kg × 16 kg = 320 mg/day.
Divide by 2 doses: 320 ÷ 2 = 160 mg per dose.
Question 2
Order: Acetaminophen 15 mg/kg PO every 4–6 hours PRN for pain. Child
weighs 22 kg. How many mg will the nurse administer per dose?
A. 150 mg
B. 165 mg
C. 330 mg
D. 400 mg
Correct Answer: C. 330 mg
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Rationale:
15 mg/kg × 22 kg = 330 mg per dose.
Question 3
A 5-year-old weighs 18 kg. The recommended dose of a medication is 10
mg/kg/day divided into three doses. What is the dose per administration?
A. 60 mg
B. 60 mg
C. 90 mg
D. 180 mg
Correct Answer: B. 60 mg
Rationale:
Total daily dose = 10 mg/kg × 18 kg = 180 mg/day.
Divide into 3 doses: 180 ÷ 3 = 60 mg per dose.
Question 4
The provider orders gentamicin 2.5 mg/kg/dose IV q8h for a neonate
weighing 3.2 kg. How much medication should be administered per dose?
A. 6 mg
B. 8 mg
C. 10 mg
D. 12.5 mg
Correct Answer: B. 8 mg
