QMAP Dosage Calculation and Measurement 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident is prescribed 500 mg of a medication. The tablets available are 250 mg each. How many tablets should be administered?
- 1 tablet
- 2 tablets (Correct answer)
- 3 tablets
- 1.5 tablets
Correct answer: 2 tablets
500 mg divided by 250 mg per tablet equals 2 tablets.
Dosage calculation uses the formula: Number of tablets = Prescribed dose / Available dose per tablet. In this case, 500 mg / 250 mg = 2 tablets. Always double-check your math before administering any medication.
Question 2: When using a graduated medicine cup, at what position should you read the liquid level?
- At the top of the curved surface
- At the bottom of the meniscus at eye level (Correct answer)
- From above looking down
- At any point on the curved line
Correct answer: At the bottom of the meniscus at eye level
Reading at the bottom of the meniscus at eye level ensures accurate measurement.
When measuring liquid medications, the liquid forms a concave curve called a meniscus due to surface tension. Place the cup on a flat surface, bend down so your eyes are level with the liquid surface, and read at the lowest point of the meniscus. Reading from above or below causes parallax error.
Question 3: A physician orders 0.5 mL of a medication via oral syringe. Which syringe provides the most accurate measurement?
- 10 mL syringe
- 5 mL syringe
- 3 mL syringe
- 1 mL syringe (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 1 mL syringe
A 1 mL syringe has the finest graduation marks for the most accurate measurement of small volumes.
When measuring small volumes, the smallest appropriate syringe ensures greatest accuracy. A 1 mL syringe has markings at every 0.01 mL, while a 10 mL syringe may only have markings at every 0.2 mL. Always select the measurement device that best matches the volume being measured.
Question 4: How many milliliters are in one teaspoon?
- 2.5 mL
- 5 mL (Correct answer)
- 10 mL
- 15 mL
Correct answer: 5 mL
One teaspoon equals approximately 5 mL, a standard household-to-metric conversion.
Standard conversions: 1 teaspoon = 5 mL, 1 tablespoon = 15 mL, 1 ounce = 30 mL. Household spoons vary in size and should not be used for medication measurement. Always use calibrated measuring devices.
Question 5: A resident weighs 154 pounds. What is their approximate weight in kilograms?
- 70 kg (Correct answer)
- 77 kg
- 80 kg
- 84 kg
Correct answer: 70 kg
Divide pounds by 2.2: 154 / 2.2 = 70 kg.
Weight conversions are important because many medication doses are calculated based on body weight in kilograms. The conversion factor is 1 kg = 2.2 lbs. QMAPs should be familiar with this conversion for understanding weight-based dosing instructions.
Question 6: What should a QMAP do if the calculated dose results in splitting an unscored tablet?
- Use a kitchen knife to cut it evenly
- Contact the prescriber or pharmacist for an alternative (Correct answer)
- Estimate the dose by breaking the tablet by hand
- Crush the tablet and measure the powder
Correct answer: Contact the prescriber or pharmacist for an alternative
Unscored tablets should not be split. Contact the prescriber or pharmacist for an alternative formulation.
Unscored tablets may crumble, break unevenly, or have uneven drug distribution. Splitting them can result in too much or too little medication. QMAPs should contact the prescriber or pharmacist for a different tablet strength, liquid formulation, or adjusted dosing schedule.
QMAP Dosage Calculation and Measurement 2
A resident is prescribed 500 mg of a medication.
The tablets available are 250 mg each.
How many tablets should be administered?