Final answer:
The calculation of clearance using the area method depends on the area under the concentration-time curve, but without further details or the specific graph (Figure 3-17), the correct option cannot be determined.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question at hand involves the calculation of drug clearance using the area method after a 500-mg dose was administered intravenously. Although the specific figure (Figure 3-17) referenced in the question is not provided in this setting, in general, clearance can be calculated using the formula:
Clearance = (Dose administered) / (AUC)
where AUC is the area under the blood concentration-time curve. Unfortunately, without the graph or additional data that shows the plasma concentration of the drug over time, an exact answer cannot be determined here.
Considering the options provided (A. 42 L/hour, B. 8.4 L/hour, C. 3 L/hour, D. 4.2 L/hour), we might assume these are possible clearance values calculated by applying the area method to the graph, but the correct value would depend on the specific data from the graph or the calculated AUC.