Final answer:
The medication dosed by total body weight from the options provided is heparin. For home treatment of systemic infections, oral antimicrobials are convenient, and isotonic saline is typically used for intravenous hydration in dehydrated patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medications that are dosed by total body weight include a range of drugs, with some requiring precise dosing based on the patient’s weight to ensure efficacy and reduce toxicity. The medication from the options provided that is dosed by total body weight is heparin. Heparin is an anticoagulant that is often dosed based on weight to prevent blood clots. Other medications like gentamicin, which is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, are also dosed based on body weight. However, drugs like digoxin and warfarin have dosing that is more influenced by the individual's metabolism, liver and kidney function, and interactions with other drugs, rather than purely on total body weight.
When it comes to home administration of an antimicrobial to treat a systemic infection, the most appropriate and convenient route would likely be oral administration, assuming the patient does not require hospitalization and the oral form is effective for the specific infection being treated.
In cases of dehydration, patients requiring intravenous fluids are typically given a saline solution that is isotonic with respect to body fluids. This helps restore fluid balance without causing harm to the patient's cells.