(New version) HESI RN Dosage Calculations: Comprehensive Practice Questions

Hesi RN dosage calculations

Question 1:
A client on the palliative care unit is receiving midazolam 3 mg SUBQ every 2 hours PRN
for terminal agitation and intractable hiccups. The medication iS available in a 5 mL
ampoule labeled. "2 mg/mL." How many mL should the nurse administer for each dose?
(Enter the numerical value only.)

Explanation
Correct Answer (mL) : 1.5
Solution
Given:
Ordered dose of Midazolam: 3 mg SUBQ every 2 hours PRN
Concentration of Midazolam: 2 mg/mL
Step 1: Set up the proportion:
Desired dose (mg) / Volume to administer (mL) = Concentration (mg/mL)
Step 2: Substitute the values:
3 mg / Volume = 2 mg/mL
Step 3: Solve for the unknown volume:
Volume = 3 mg / (2 mg/mL)
Volume = 3 mg x (1 mL / 2 mg)
Volume = 1.5 mL

Question 2
A client who weighs 176 pounds receives a prescription for filgrastim 5
mcg/kg/daily subcutaneously for 14 days. The medication is available in 300
mcg/mL vial. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Enter numerical value
only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth.)

Explanation
Correct Answer (mL) : 1.3
Solution
Given:
Ordered dose of Filgrastim: 5 mcg/kg/daily
Patient weight: 176 pounds
Concentration of Filgrastim: 300 mcg/mL
Step 1: Convert patient weight from pounds to kilograms:
1 pound (lb) = 0.453592 kilograms (kg)
Patient weight in kg = 176 lbs x 0.453592 kg/lb = 79.832 kg
Step 2: Calculate the total daily dose of Filgrastim:
Total daily dose (mcg) = Ordered dose (mcg/kg/daily) x Patient weight (kg)
Total daily dose (mcg) = 5 mcg/kg/daily x 79.832 kg
Total daily dose (mcg) = 399.16 mcg
Step 3: Calculate the volume to be administered:
Volume (mL) = Total daily dose (mcg) / Concentration (mcg/mL)
Volume (mL) = 399.16 mcg / 300 mcg/mL
Volume (mL) = 1.3305 mL
Step 4: Round to the nearest tenth:
Volume (mL) ≈ 1.3 mL