Final answer:
Based on the medication dosage of 0.4 milligrams per kilogram taken twice a day, for a total daily dosage of 44.8 milligrams, the patient's weight is calculated to be 56 kilograms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student needs help calculating a patient's body weight based on the total daily dosage of a pain medication. Given that the medication dosage is 0.4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, administered twice a day, and the total daily dosage is 44.8 milligrams, we can find the patient's weight by setting up a simple equation. The total daily dosage of 44.8 milligrams divided by the number of dosages per day (2) gives the dosage per administration (22.4 milligrams). We then divide the dosage per administration by the dosage rate (0.4 milligrams/kg) to find the patient's weight.
To find the patient's weight in kilograms, you divide the single dosage of 22.4 milligrams by 0.4 milligrams/kg:
Weight (kg) = 22.4 mg / 0.4 mg/kg = 56 kg.
Therefore, the patient's weight is 56 kilograms.